JOHOR BARU: MCA came to Barisan Nasional’s aid when Umno faced tough times. As such, to accuse it of not playing its part as a coalition partner is unacceptable, says Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad (pic).
“To say such things is wrong because there will come a time when they (MCA) will be helpful to us.
“In 1999, during the time when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was very strong and the Malay sentiments were negative towards Umno, MCA and the Chinese sentiments helped Barisan,” Shahrir said after a Chinese New Year celebration with the local community here yesterday.
He was commenting on Kempas assemblyman Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Tengku Hamid Jumat, who reportedly said MCA should be punished for defending tycoon Robert Kuok and suggested that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should not be so generous with the party after the coming general election.
Shahrir, who is Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman, said all parties should take a long-term view on the matter as Barisan would not have been successful without the cooperation of its component parties.
“There are times when your friend is weak. But then, you don’t abandon him and take a stronger friend instead.
“Next time when you are weak, you would not be happy if your friend abandons you. So don’t just think about today, but think also about yesterday and tomorrow,” he added.
He said Kuok has helped the people of Johor.
“Many Johoreans have benefited from his generosity and the respect for Kuok is so high here, and he demonstrates what a Johorean is,” he added.
Shahrir also thanked MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for praising him.
Dr Wee had criticised Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid for his remarks on MCA.
The MCA deputy president said leaders should emulate Shahrir when it comes to debating issues, saying that Shahrir was always reasonable.
To this, Shahrir said:“I think it is just about being a natural Johorean moderate with a balanced view of life and Islamic teachings.
“We are living in a multi-racial community, so we need to celebrate our strengths and not just emphasise our differences,” he said.
On a separate matter, Shahrir, who is Felda chairman, said officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would be sent to Felda’s Integrity Unit to ensure Felda is corruption-free.
He also said that the board of directors have agreed to the proposal, adding that the move is expected to be implemented within the next two months.
“The officers will monitor all financial statements, development projects, contracts as well as advise us when necessary,” he said, adding that Felda would let MACC decide on the number of officers to be included into the unit.
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