Dr Wee: Start preparing for GE15

KUALA LUMPUR: The 15th General Election is an election of life and death for MCA, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president said the party’s preparedness in facing the election is more important than overcoming any challenge.

“The coming national election is very important. In addition to being a critical moment to examine the hearts of the people, it is also a life-or-death election for our party.

“Our first and foremost task is to win more seats, have bigger voices, and strengthen our party, ” he said when opening the party’s 67th annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here on Sunday (March 7).

He called party comrades to start preparing as the poll is drawing near.

“Our Prime Minister has stated clearly multiple times that once the Covid-19 vaccination is carried out smoothly and the pandemic is under control, he will seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to request for the dissolution of Parliament and return the mandate to the people.

“With the general election drawing near, we should immediately start preparing. It is now a crucial time to observe the people’s opinion because it will also determine the destiny of our party, ” he said.

Since its founding, Dr Wee said MCA’s approach has always been to serve and care for the entire nation even though it’s a Chinese-based party.

“In the coming election, it is no longer a one-to-one fight. We must look for suitable partners to fight with us and to take the multicultural approach, ” he added.

Even though MCA is now part of the ruling coalition, Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, noted that the situation is different as it is no longer a Barisan Nasional-led government and Barisan is not the only ruling coalition.

“Even though the political environment in the country is very different now, we remain consistent in our political struggle, be it in the government or in the opposition.

“We continue to defend the interests of our community and be the voice of the people, continue to work pragmatically and not seek to be populists or attention seekers.

“We continue to defend the core values such as multiculturalism, inclusiveness, moderation, and peace, ” he said.

He noted that the government has never and will never put people’s lives at risk although it may not be perfect and at times, the efforts to fight the pandemic are imperfect.

“We are doing all we can to protect people’s lives and ensure their livelihoods and the economy are not affected, ” he said.

Citing economic analyses on an impending “revenge spending” following gradual recovery from the pandemic, Dr Wee said we should seize the opportunity and be prepared for economic revival.

“After a long-term suppression during the spread of the Covid-19 virus and the MCO, consumers will start compensating for lost time with a surge in people going out for entertainment and shopping, watching movies in cinemas, dining out, and travelling.

“All these will help revive the service, retail, tourism, and manufacturing industries, even though there will still be challenges and uncertainties in a post-pandemic economy. It is also a crucial time for economic rebound and revival.

“Many countries are eyeing this golden opportunity to make sure that they are well prepared for this time by planning for the immunisation programmes, ” he said.

These countries, he added also allowed those in essential services for the economic sector to be given priority vaccination so that important sectors are able to open up ahead of other countries.

“This is to ensure that those with the advantage will move the country’s economy towards a full revival with minimal efforts, ” he said.

Dr Wee also called on lawmakers from both sides of the divide to play their roles and prioritise economic revival.

“Both the ruling parties and the opposition must utilise their resources and use their strengths to help the people and the business community.

“The most urgent task now for both ruling and opposition leaders is to let go of our political differences to protect people’s lives and their livelihoods.

“This will help us to adapt to a post-pandemic era to start over again and move towards a better future, ” he added.