Barisan Nasional (BN) will not abandon the basic principles of power-sharing and justice in reaching a consensus on seat allocation in the 13th general election, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said.

What was important in determining the seat allocation formula was the ability of the ruling party to retain power, he said.

Speaking at the Pagoh parliamentary constituency’s special programme for the people in Kampung Paya Panjang in Muar, Muhyiddin who is Umno deputy president, said seat allocation among BN component parties would also take into consideration current political landscape.

“BN should get the people’s support and be aware of the changes in political landscape and in the people’s expectations,” he said.

He acknowledged that the old seat allocation formula had served its purpose and that a new formula should be drawn up, taking into account the country’s current political scenario.

It was also important to take into account the need for a win-win factor among component parties, he said, noting that as the BN management committee chairperson and BN deputy chairperson, he would be involved in the discussion for the seat allocation.

At this stage, he said, component parties would be able to make their own evaluation, including on the need to field “winnable candidates” as required by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Yesterday, Najib said the BN would make adjustments to the existing formula on allocation of seats for the next general election.

In his speech earlier, Muhyiddin who is Pagoh member of parliament, said the BN had been implementing programmes for the benefit of the people irrespective of their race or religion.

The programme also involved youth associations, non-governmental organisations and local leaders, he said.

- Bernama