KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions about seat distribution among all Barisan Nasional component parties for the 15th General Election (GE15) are ongoing, including seats left vacant by Gerakan, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said it would be up to Barisan leadership to make the call on who would be fielded in all seats, whether at state or federal levels.
“The leadership will decide, including seats that used to be contested by Gerakan in the past,” he said after opening the 2022 MCA Selangor state convention at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Gerakan, once a Barisan component party, left after the coalition lost its majority at the federal level in GE14 and joined the Perikatan Nasional coalition last year.
In the last general election, Dr Wee said MCA contested eight parliamentary and 14 state seats.
“When the time comes, it (candidacy) will be announced. What’s important is that we will ensure that the Barisan candidates are winnable,” he said.
Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, called on all party members to work harder to assist the Barisan machinery in all seats in GE15.
Unity for victory: Dr Wee (centre), MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (third from left), Ng (fourth from left), MCA secretary-general Datuk Choong Sin Woon (sixth from left) and other party state leaders at the MCA Selangor state convention at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
“We lost in Selangor in the last three general elections. Let’s make sure we do the best and start working,” he said.
He also urged all members to prioritise unity in the party, adding that unity is an essential factor that will determine victory.
Touching on the various issues facing Selangor and the people, such as water supply disruptions and drainage systems inefficiency, he said a holistic approach is needed to ensure a balance between development and quality of life in the state.
“We should not be blaming the Federal Government squarely but figure out a holistic approach and solutions,” said Dr Wee, adding that it was time for MCA to have its representatives in Selangor to serve the people.
“Either as part of the government or Opposition, we have the experience and are capable of providing checks and balances,” he added.
Selangor MCA liaison committee chairman Datuk Ng Chok Sin urged all members to be prepared for GE15, which could be called anytime now.
In his speech, he also put forward four pro-rakyat policy proposals in Selangor: to reduce housing development costs; to reduce assessment by 20%; to reduce bureaucracy for business licences and halving such costs; and to promote the development of infrastructure to create a good business environment.
Ng said these measures would put more cash in the hands of the people, allowing them to indulge in more discretionary spending.
“MCA Selangor should focus on the main axis of ‘fighting for people’s livelihood, anti-inflation, pro-rakyat, support Barisan’, and provide voters with a better choice,” he added.
