MCA: DAP has failed to recognise that Chinese voters are pragmatic

PETALING JAYA: Chinese voters are pragmatic and this is why DAP is losing ground, said MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.

“The double losses in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar of which DAP are strongest in Perak and Selangor are another bitter pill for them to swallow.

“It also shows that DAP is losing their iron tight grip on the Chinese voters so soon after their defeats in Sarawak,” said Ti in a statement on Sunday.

He said that the by-elections showed that Chinese voters are “adventurous, strategic and will not hesitate to change or shift their support on issues”.

Ti explained how the Chinese had previously shown no hesitation in voting parties out of office, adding that it would not be a surprise if they also “vote DAP out” of its state government positions.

“In other words they follow the flow or where the wind blows,” he said.

On the other hand, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has been working tirelessly to avoid controversies as well as exercising “profound diplomacy”, Ti said.

He added that when PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang tabled the Syariah Bill, Liow announced that he would resign if the Bill was passed.

“On the contrary, DAP had cunningly side stepped the issue and continued to govern Selangor together with PAS,” he said.

On the just-concluded by-elections, Ti said the sincerity of the Umno candidates had “softened down the DAP hardcore supporters and won over the fence sitters”, adding that there was more humility on the Barisan Nasional side.

“It is also interesting to note that this time round there was no firebrand or Umno rhetoric that could be used by DAP to provoke Chinese sentiments or emotions,” he added.

Ti further noted that Chinese voters are “astute and sharp”.

“Their practicality and pragmatism will eventually bring them back to Barisan’s fold provided there are no ‘spoilers’ and the Prime Minister continues to listen to the voice of moderation,” he concluded.