The Barisan Nasional (BN) should immediately strengthen its position in protecting the people's interests in preparing to face the next general election (GE), said Kelantan BN chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said the split in PAS and the party's decision to not join the new Pakatan Harapan opposition pact would have an impact on the political scenario and as such, BN should take the opportunity to consolidate the party internally.

"We have to rely on our internal strength and this is the time for us to develop new strategies to strengthen BN at the state and national levels," he told reporters at an open house event to celebrate Aidiladha and his 65th birthday here, today.

Mustapa was asked to comment on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), DAP and the yet to be registered Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) which had on Sept 22, agreed to form the new opposition coalition called Pakatan Harapan, without the participation of PAS.

He said the country's political scenario had changed as the split in PAS had led to the formation of a splinter party, Parti Amanah Negara, and PAS had decided not to join the new Pakatan Harapan.

He said the split in the opposition had long been expected following vast differences of opinion between PAS and DAP and PAS could not compromise any longer.

He said although the opposition was seen to be weak following PAS's exclusion from Pakatan Harapan, UMNO and BN should not be complacent but instead work hard to prepare for the next general election.

Meanwhile, Mustapa urged the state government to clarify to the people on issues related to highway construction, the people's farm projects and logging.

He said the people were interested to know on the progress of the Kota Baharu-Kuala Krai highway, which was said to have been handed over to the federal government as the state government could no longer afford to finance it.