Controversial amendments to the BN's constitution which have drawn flak from component parties are expected to be dropped, including one that provides absolute authority to the coalition's chairperson on the selection of candidates for elections.

The prevailing arrangement is for component parties to suggest the candidates, subject to final approval by the chairperson.

Another controversial amendment to the BN constitution is meant to do away with the " consensus system " and in its place establish a majority-based decision making process.

That system grants component parties veto power in certain areas, such as acceptance of new coalition party members.

"Most of the proposed amendments have been dropped, especially the key changes... The only thing I was told that remains unchanged is the idea to expand BN's (direct) membership by creating another category," said a highly placed BN leader.

NONE The coalition's leadership has been toying with the idea of accepting members without their having to join any of the component parties, but coalition members are worried that this will diminish their influence.

‘Friends of BN' clause to remain

In an effort to provide such individuals a platform within BN, there is a proposal to establish a " Friends of BN " category for BN membership, to complement the existing three types of membership - existing members, federated members and associate members.

Under the "Friends of BN" category, individuals, clubs, non-government organisations and political parties can be formally admitted to the coalition.

The amendments are expected to be finalised at the BN management meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre today subject to the final decision of the BN supreme council set to convene the same day.

"I think the supreme council meeting will be converted into an annual general meeting and the constitutional amendments will take effect before the convention," said the source.

The BN convention is scheduled for Nov 28 at Wisma MCA.