BN denies any links to Teras, sec-gen says coalition in the dark over claims

KUCHING (Sept 20): Barisan Nasional (BN) has denied any links with Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) following a recent news report linking the coalition with the Sarawak-based party.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir described the report which tried to associate Teras with BN as very regrettable.

“Barisan Nasional has strictly never allowed any party to use the name ‘Barisan Nasional’ or the ‘dacing’ symbol without referring to the Supreme Council of Barisan Nasional.

“Barisan Nasional also never discussed or knew about the steps made as stated in this report,” he said.

Zambry was referring to Utusan Borneo’s Sept 17 report, which quoted Teras chairman Affendi Jeman as saying the party was transparent in fighting for the people, “with BN being the basis of Teras’ struggles”.

Affendi is said to have made the remarks at the Malam Wawasan Teras dinner in Bintulu on Sept 16.

The Borneo Post reported on Sept 17 that Affendi told a press conference after the same event that Teras is making strides to re-establish itself on the Sarawak political landscape, with aspirations to become a component of BN.

He also stated that Teras has applied to join BN and is awaiting approval.