The new party founded by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will have no effect on Barisan Nasional (BN) especially in the coming 14th general election, said Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said the establishment of a new party would only fire up unity among Umno members to ensure Umno continued to remain strong and relevant.

“In the tradition of our party, whenever we are challenged, we will strengthen unity among ourselves.

“The only impact the new party will have on BN or the local political situation is that there is an additional party in the country,” he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri open house of Pasir Panjang state assemblyperson Rashidi Ibrahim at Arena Square in Ayer Tawar, today.

Zambry was commenting on a statement by Dr Mahathir on July 14 in which he announced the setting up a new party which will become a component party of the opposition coalition in the coming general election.

The new party which has not been named will comprise new and old faces from various bodies to contest and draw up strategy in the run up to the 14th general election.

- Bernama