MCA Youth's proposal that Barisan Nasional create a second deputy chief's post needs further study and discussion, said BN Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein today.

He said the transformation of BN suggested by MCA was a proposal that needed to be discussed in depth by all the component parties.

bn youths pc khairy racial remarks 031006 hishamuddin hussein "I just heard the suggestion this morning and it is not up to me to decide. We are open to everything," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

"We have heard about the direct participation in BN of those who do not want to join any component parties and now this proposal. We should discuss these ideas. For me, there is no set formula. We have to hear the views of all parties," he said.

"In a few months, the Umno general assembly will meet and I am sure there will also be suggestions from delegates and leaders on ways to strengthen BN," added Hishammuddin, who is also Umno Youth chief.

Outgoing MCA Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai in his speech at the opening of the MCA assembly suggested that the ruling coalition have two deputy chief's posts, to allow for MCA’s participation.

Is MCA getting more vocal?

Hishammuddin, who is education minister, said that if the proposal were to be accepted then BN would have to undergo a major structural change.

"But I appreciate MCA. They have not come out to say that they would pull out of BN. In fact they are committed to BN and want BN to be stronger. This is why they are making these proposals.

"This also shows their dedication to the coalition. They are willing to face challenges with BN in whatever situation. They are with us through thick and thin," he added.

He said all proposals made by BN component parties at their general assemblies would be brought to the BN supreme council and any decision would be made by the supreme council and its top leadership.

Asked if the proposal was an indication that MCA was becoming more vocal, he said this was not the case as MCA had always been vocal and now the largest Chinese-based party in the ruling coalition wants BN to regain its strength.

"But for me, I would say that position is not important. What is important is that we understand each other, respect one another and have the determination to ensure a good future for BN," he added.

However, Hishammuddin agreed that the time had come for the ruling coalition to make changes and there were already signs that BN was regaining the trust of the people, who had deserted it in the March 8 general election.