| Summary: | The aim of this thesis is to examine conflict management in the Barisan Nasional from 1974 to 1999. The core of the study focuses on the conflict management during the seat allocation process in elections and the allocation of cabinet posts at federal government level and state Exco level in Penang and Kedah. To elaborate on these two focal points, five main objectives aimed at uncovering the contributing factors to the Barisan Nasional's stability and solidarity to continue ruling a multiethnic society. A total of 28 political figures in the BN and two from opponent parties were identified as interviewees. Results of this study revealed that the Barisan Nasional employed its own, unique approach in handling conflicts. Firstly, Power-sharing shows that the Barisan Nasional applies a formula for seat allocation using three stringent processes to ensure that each of its components receives a fair allocation of seats commensurate with the performance and strength of the party. For the allocation of cabinet and Exco posts, each party is provided with the opportunity and position to hold the post, so that each component party would have an avenue of participation in the development of policies and direction of the national administration. Secondly, the principles practised within the Barisan Nasional, which includes decision-making procedures, the representativeness and confidentiality of discussions on seat allocation and Cabinet/Exco post allocation, are confined only to the main elite groups of the component parties. The involvement and knowledge of other party members, especially those at branch and divisional levels, are extremely limited and restricted in these areas. Thirdly, in the process of allocating seats and Cabinet/Exco posts, some bargaining inevitably takes place, usually by two parties, namely a component party of the Barisan Nasional and an NGO. There are four factors contributing to this bargaining. The scope of this bargaining also involves four areas. Fourthly, the management of conflict in seat and Cabinet/Exco post allocations demonstrates that the Barisan Nasional continuously faces various challenges from time to time. Seven different challenges are outlined, and these often pose as elements that threaten the strength and stability of the Barisan Nasional. The control of these elements is important in ensuring that the Barisan Nasional continues to be sound and stable, whilst failure would put the Barisan Nasional in a quagmire of difficulties in continuing to defend its power. Finally to manage the conflict on seat and Cabinet/Exco post allocations, the Barisan Nasional applies four levels of review. At each level, the conflict is assessed and analysed to ensure that if can be handled well and comprehensively to the satisfaction and justice of all parties involved. In addition, the Barisan Nasional also practises five approaches in managing these conflicts. The study findings provide a comprehensive documentation of the techniques applied by the BN in managing conflicts, and it is hoped that it would describe to the public how each party played its role in maintaining political stability whilst serving as guidelines to countries facing interethnic conflict.
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