BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said apart from Kimma, applications had also been received from the Indian Progressive Front (IPF) and Makkal Sakti which are BN friendly parties.

The discussion will include the possibility of amending the coalition’s constitution if necessary, he said.

“As in the past, before any decision is made, there should be an agreement of the majority. Similarly, with this request, we will see if the majority are agreeable to accepting other associate parties.

“In the rebranding of BN, we will not forget our component parties. I do not want to be a dictator and will discuss the matter with our component parties,” he said at the 41st annual general assembly of Kimma here today.

Also present was Kimma president Syed Ibrahim Kader.

Zahid described Kimma as a staunch friend of Umno in both good and bad times.

“Kimma, which was set up 40 years ago, was made an associate member of Umno since 2010, and has proven itself to be a true friend, especially in the present situation,” he said.

Earlier, Syed Ibrahim said in his speech that Kimma welcomed the kind gesture of Zahid, who is also Umno president, to review Kimma’s status as an associate member and hope the party would be accepted as a member of BN or any coalition led by Umno.

More than 700 Kimma delegates from the Youth, Puteri and Wanita wings attended the assembly.