Responding to remarks by former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib, also known as Mat Taib, Liow said BN was not a one-race party.

“It is a no. BN is a coalition that is inclusive, and we are working as a multiracial pact.

“So it is not a one-race party. Any decision in terms of seat allocation is done on a consensus basis and in the spirit of BN.

“It is definitely a no (to Muhammad’s suggestion),” he said at a press conference after opening the third edition of the 10 Economic Strategic Directions (ESD) Conference and Exhibition at Wisma MCA today.

Liow was asked to respond to Muhammad’s claim that BN can reclaim Selangor in GE14 if it focuses on Malay-majority state seats.

The Malay Mail Online reported that this included state seats currently controlled by PAS, which Muhammad said could no longer champion the interests of the Malay community as it had been weakened by the exit of some leaders and the formation of Amanah.

“If Umno can win all the Malay seats out of 56 state seats, we can form a new state government without the help of non-Malays.

“If the Malays can understand that a vote for Umno means a vote to ensure Malay political power, then we don’t need the help of others,” Muhammad was quoted as saying.

He said this did not mean the Chinese and Indians would be neglected, as BN would still ensure that their interests were met.

However, Malays being in control of politics would ensure stability, something that Pakatan Harapan could not offer, he added.