The Barisan Nasional is greater than the sum of its parts. No component party is more important than the BN itself. Gerakan, together with UMNO, MCA, MIC, PPP and others, at the request of the late Tun Abd. Razak, came together in 1973 to reduce politicking, and for the sake of the developing nation. They formed the BN.

It is therefore unproductive for descendants of this time-tested alliance to bicker and take pot-shots at each other. Parajothy should not become emotional and criticize UMNO for something they haven’t done.

Gerakan will deal with him. UMNO Youth, on the other hand should not be over sensitive to a single statement by one Gerakan youth leader.

Let us not forget all the general elections and national crises that we have been through together. Let us not forget the assistance rendered unto to each other. The principle of consultation and consensus must always prevail.

This has been the success of our unique coalition. It is the BN, Government and rakyat that matter in the end.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.