Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has suggested that direct membership to Barisan Nasional be made possible to ensure the coalition remain strong and relevant.

"Through this approach, those who are committed to BN and its policy and leaders, but do not favour certain component parties because of too much politicking, will continue to be with us," he said in his latest posting in his website .

In the posting, entitled ‘Leaving 2009 with memories, stepping into the new year with high hopes’, Salleh, who is Sabah Umno deputy liaison chief, said the move would also prevent party members from joining the opposition.

He also suggested "re-branding" of the BN, like having a new and more attractive logo with characteristics of the 1Malaysia concept, to make the coalition closer to the people.

"This is important because in today's political situation and environment, the people have a choice, the BN or the Pakatan Rakyat," he added

- Bernama