KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional could secure more seats in the next election if its component parties set aside petty politics and focus on strengthening the coalition, said its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"If we can set aside pettiness and conflicts among us, BN can win even in opposition-held states.
"We know that there are problems in any party, but we don't air our dirty laundry (in public)," he said.
He said the coalition was preparing for the Sabah election, which is expected to be held earlier than October next year.
It will then prepare for the Melaka and Johor elections.
"We're grateful that MCA, MIC and other parties have supported BN's candidates, as well as those from parties under the unity government," he said when opening MCA's 71st annual general assembly at Dewan San Choon in Wisma MCA.
Zahid praised MCA's machinery in the recent Mahkota by-election, in which BN defeated Perikatan Nasional's candidate with a majority of over 20,000 votes.
Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah emerged victorious after he secured 27,995 votes, with a 20,648 majority, while PN's Mohamad Haizan Jaafar garnered 7,347 votes in the by-election.
Zahid, who is Umno president, expressed his gratitude for MCA's loyalty in remaining in the coalition despite its challenges.
He said BN lost in the 2018 general elections and faced internal and external pressures.
He said the unity government was formed following the changes in the country's political wave.
"Some were initially opposed to this (BN joining the unity government). I have forgiven whatever happened in the past."