Gerakan leaves Barisan Nasional (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan is the latest component in Barisan Nasional (BN) to exit the coalition today to be an independent Opposition party.
Announcing its decision, the Central Committee in a statement said it made the "unanimous decision" to leave BN.
"The decision was made after serious and comprehensive deliberation, reflection and consideration on current political developments of the country post-14th General Election (GE14).
"Sentiment and feedback of grassroots were also taken into consideration in this decision, while elections at the branch level are underway nationwide. It is in line with our aim to consolidate our party and members," it said.
Gerakan's decision comes in the wake of four Sarawak parties leaving the coalition.
"We believe it is absolutely necessary for Gerakan to embark on a new political journey with freedom, empowerment and assertion in pursuing what we believe is best for Malaysia and Malaysians – an egalitarian and united Malaysia," according to the statement.
Noting that the decision was also in line with new aspirations, needs and demands of the people post-GE14, Gerakan said it will chart a new sustainable direction for the party.
"We leave BN on good terms, Gerakan will play its role as an independent party in the Opposition bloc to offer check-and-balance to the Pakatan Harapan government and will be a constructive opposition.
"We will cooperate with like-minded parties, individuals and groups in the national interest to uphold and defend the Federal Constitution, rule of law and democracy of Malaysia, we are most committed to preserving the Malaysian way of life as we know and we want collectively as Malaysians."
Calling itself the pioneer of liberalism, multiracialism and pragmatism in Malaysian politics in the early days of nationhood, Gerakan said it will strive to reprise its role again in a maturing multi-party system.
On June 12, the component parties of Sarawak BN -- Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) -- announced their unanimous decision to leave BN.
They formed a new coalition called the 'Gabungan Parti Sarawak' (GPS).
In an immediate reaction to this, MCA said that it will remain as Umno and MIC's alliance in BN.
"MCA will continue to be in BN for now. We are now back to the Alliance days whereby Umno, MCA and MIC served as the bridge between races, narrowing down the gap and differences.
"The way forward and the survival of BN shall be dependent on the new leadership after our respective party elections," its publicity spokesperson Datuk Ti Lian Ker said.
He said there is sufficient time to charter a way forward and there is no need to be hasty in decisions now.
"We do not have to bring the house down just because of some roof leakages and this is not a good time to play the victim or resort to the blame game.
"We should maintain our decorum and dignity instead of appearing to be sore losers or turn sour grapes.
"Umno and MIC have been our partners for a long time and we have achieved much for the nation together," Ti said.
Noting that the political terrain has changed, he said there is a need for restraint, patience and political wisdom to guide the party through.