UPDATED 2.13PM | Gerakan has become the latest party to leave the BN coalition following the latter's shocking defeat at last month's general election.

This was announced by party vice-president Dominic Lau following a central committee meeting today, who said that the "unanimous" decision was reached in accordance with the wishes of the party grassroots.

"One of the decisions we have made (is that) we unanimously decided to leave BN. The main reason (for leaving) is because this is the grassroots' voice, the grassroots' opinion and also the grassroots' requirement.

"So that's why during the party central committee meeting, we discussed and we decided to listen to the (wishes of the) grassroots. This is why we decided to leave BN," Lau told Malaysiakini at the Gerakan headquarters in Cheras today.

Although it was ultimately leaving BN, Lau said the Gerakan leadership did not reach the decision easily.

"This was a hard decision to make, this was the second central committee meeting, in the first meeting we had two opinions, some felt that we should leave, some felt that we should stay.

"In this meeting, we all decided to leave BN," he said.

Branch level election underway

In a statement sent by the central committee later, the party stated that the move to leave BN was taken after "serious and comprehensive deliberation, reflection and consideration of the current political developments of the country post-GE14."

"The decision is in line with the new aspirations, needs and demands of the people post-GE14, we decided that Gerakan must chart a new direction to sustain ourselves and continue our struggle."

Even so, the central committee said it was departing BN on good terms, and would serve as an independent party to keep the ruling Pakatan Harapan government in check.

It further stated that the party will work towards reprising its role in a maturing multi-party system.

"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 want collectively as Malaysians."

It also stated that elections at the branch level were underway nationwide.

Gerakan's departure, however, will not affect BN's parliamentary seating count, which remains at 57, since the party failed to win any of the seats it contested in the 14th general election.

BN, which had held federal power since Malaysia's independence, lost to Pakatan Harapan coalition following the May 9 polls.

In the weeks that followed, component parties began to announce their exit from the sinking coalition.

Sarawak BN dissolved after PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP announced on June 12 it was leaving to form its own state-based alliance, Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

In Sabah, PBRS, Upko, and LDP also left the coalition. 

This leaves BN with Umno, MIC and MCA. MyPPP's membership remains in contention following party infighting.

Umno is the biggest opposition party with 54 parliamentary seats, while MCA and MIC has one and two seats respectively.