KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal by MCA Youth that Barisan Nasional (BN) create a second deputy chief's post needs further study and discussion, UMNO Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said today.

He said the transformation of the BN suggested by the MCA was a proposal that needed to be discussed in depth by all the BN component parties.

"I just heard the suggestion this morning and it is not up to me to decide. We are open to everything.

"We have heard about the direct participation in the BN of those who do not want to join any component parties and now this proposal.

"We should discuss these ideas. For me, there is no set formula. We have to hear the views of all parties.

"In a few months, the UMNO general assembly will meet and I am sure there will also be suggestions from delegates and leaders on ways to strengthen the BN," he told reporters after the opening of the MCA Youth general assembly at Wisma MCA here today.

Outgoing MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai in his speech at the opening of the assembly suggested that the BN have two deputy chief's posts, to allow for MCA participation.

Hishammuddin, who is Education Minister, said that if the proposal were to be accepted then the BN would have to undergo a major structural change. "But I appreciate the MCA. They have not come out to say that they would pull out of the BN. In fact they are committed to the BN and want the BN to be stronger.

This is why they are making these proposals.

"This also shows their dedication to the coalition. They are willing to face challenges with the BN in whatever situation. They are with us through thick and thin," he added.

He said all proposals made by BN component parties at their general assemblies would be brought to the BN supreme council and any decision would be made by the BN supreme council and its top leadership.

Asked if the proposal was an indication that the MCA was becoming more vocal, he said this was not the case as the MCA had always been vocal and now the largest Chinese-based party in the ruling coalition wants the BN to regain its strength.

"But for me, I would say that position is not important. What is importantis that we understand each other, respect one another and determination to ensure a good future for the BN," he added.

However, Hishammuddin agreed that the time had come for the ruling coalition to make changes and there were already signs that the BN was regaining the trust of the people, who had deserted it in the March 8 general election. (Bernama)