Barisan Nasional is one of the most successful political coalitions in the region, having been given the trust by the people to rule the country uninterruptedly since the nation’s Independence in 1957.

Barisan Nasional inherited a trust and tradition that was initiated by the Alliance (PERIKATAN), the Confederated Malay States people’s political party which was formed to acquire Independence from the British colonial rule. This political movement was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Sambanthan through the merging of UMNO, MCA and MIC.

The Alliance and later Barisan Nasional is a unique political formula for Malaysia. A formula which has, since its formation, succeeded in uniting the people of this country from various different religions, cultures and ethnic groups to become a strong, successful and visionary nation.

Through the PERIKATAN, the Malays, Chinese, and Indians set aside racial belief, to form this movement to strive for a common objective – Independence from the British. Following the success of the Alliance in both the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council's election in 1952, the party went on from strength to strength, with solid support from the people, eventually winning 51 out of 52 seats contested in the first General Election on the 27th July 1955. Next, they garnered 74 out of 104 sets contested in the 1959 General Election. Alliance's success escalated when it won the 1964 Election (89 out of 104 seats) and the 1969 Election (74 out of 144 seats).

The people's objective was reached on the night of 30th August 1957 at the field of Selangor Club where the flag of Union Jack was lowered and Jalur Gemilang was raised proudly - a new symbol for independent Malayans. The following day a new independent nation was born with Tunku Abdul Rahman declaring the Malayan Independence at the Merdeka Stadium, securing the nation’s place as a nation which won its Independence peacefully, through due political course. Thus the Alliance was given the mandate to form the first government with Tunku Abdul Rahman as the first Chief Minister. He later named the first Cabinet Ministers which consisted of leaders from various different races in Malaya.

Over time, this cooperation of various and multiple parties was later institutionalized as BARISAN NASIONAL (BN) and was formally registered on the 1st July 1974. Today, BN is made of 14 political parties including UMNO, MCA and MIC. With the strong belief in equality for all, the fairness of BN is reflected by the same number of representatives in the BN Supreme Council - three to a party - irrespective  of the party size or total members. Every component party President holds the Vice-Chairman post except for the UMNO President who is the Chairman. Every decision that is made by the BN Supreme Council, the highest party forum, is reached through consensus. Without a unanimous decision, for example regarding a manifesto, component party membership or sensitive issues, a final decision will not be made. These are the unique characters of BN which makes it a bolder, better and more realistic vehicle for the struggle in Malaysia. 

From the first General Election in 1955, BN has continued receiving the support and trust of the people of this fledgling nation. In the 1974 General Election it won 135 out of 154 seats contested; 1978 General Election it swept 130 out of 154 seats; 1982 General Election it controlled 132 out of 154 seats; 1986 General Election it captured 148 out of 177 seats; and at the 1990 General Election 127 out of 180 seats were gained. The people continued to give their mandate of more than two-third, enabling it to continue the excellent record and tradition of BN since 1955. This political stability has translated to economic stability and progress enjoyed by the people throughout the 50 years BN has been in power.

Unlike other political organisations in Malaysia, BN was not created based on ideology. BN was created by the people to champion the people's struggle. And BN leaders felt that BN will continue to exist as long as it does not divert from the fact that it is struggling for the people.