Umno also has ties with CPC, MCA reminds Perkasa

PUTRAJAYA: It is “utter nonsense” to accuse MCA of propagating communist ideology in Malaysia through forging ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC), says MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department also said that MCA was not the first Barisan Nasional party to start a formal relationship with CPC, as Umno had done it first in 2010.

“We have been accused by Perkasa of trying to propagate the communist ideology in Malaysia. That is just utter rubbish, nonsense.

“We are not in the 1950s or the 1960s anymore.

“Since 2009, China has been one of our largest trading partners. It is very natural for top government leaders to collaborate with China.

“Such collaborations will generate more business opportunities for Malaysians.

“We are trying to foster better working relationships in the field of social development, leadership and economic training, how to materialise projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and such.

“I do not see how this would bring any adverse impact on Malaysia or any other country,” said Dr Wee at a press conference yesterday.

He was responding to allegations made by Malay rights group Perkasa, who called on the Government to cancel MCA’s collaboration with CPC – claiming that it would expand communist ideology in Malaysia.

“As a component party of Barisan, MCA is not the first to collaborate with CPC. Umno was the first to have a formal relationship with CPC seven years ago.

“Umno also allows the CPC to send a delegate to their annual general assembly as observer.

“MCA only formed ties with CPC in 2014, after Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai became president,” he said.

On another matter, Dr Wee said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had a successful visit to China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

“It is a wonderful achievement for Malaysia and the collaboration shows due recognition is given to the Prime Minster.

“The Prime Minister was also seated next to the president of China at the forum, and that shows the bilateral relations with China are strong.”

Dr Wee said Malaysia must now get down to business and ensure all its memorandums of understanding with China materialise.

“The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) is expected to be implemented in July. This will be a game changer in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, and will surely spur growth in the states.

“Eventually, the rakyat will enjoy the benefits,” he said.