MCA calls for Zahid’s resignation as Barisan head

PETALING JAYA: Following the outcome of GE15, MCA says it has lost faith in Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership and the Bagan Datuk MP should step down as the Barisan Nasional chairman, says party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon (pic).

“Ahmad Zahid should resign gracefully so that a new leader can take over and set a new direction for the coalition.

“At the same time, MCA is of the opinion that the acting Barisan chairman should call for a supreme council meeting immediately,” said Chong.

He said MCA was shocked that the meeting, initially scheduled for last night, was postponed by Ahmad Zahid.

“At a time when there is political instability and uncertainty after GE15, there is a pressing need for a supreme council meeting to discuss the current political situation and make a Barisan decision as a bloc.

“MCA is taking a stern stance that no party can represent Barisan to negotiate with any political parties without obtaining a mandate from the Barisan supreme council,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Chong also said MCA had lost confidence in Ahmad Zahid’s leadership as Barisan chairman and he should resign gracefully so that a new leader could take over and decide on the new direction.

Calls for Ahmad Zahid to resign have grown louder since yesterday following Barisan’s disastrous outing in GE15, which saw the coalition winning only 30 seats.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan had tweeted that the party would hold two high-level meetings yesterday, to be followed by the Barisan supreme council meeting

However, only the Umno political bureau meeting went on as scheduled at noon.

The party supreme council meeting scheduled at 3pm and the Barisan meeting slated at 8pm were called off. No reasons were given.

Leaders met at Menara Datuk Onn in Kuala Lumpur refused to speak to the media.

Ahmad Zahid, who was in the building, gave the media the slip.

Meanwhile, former MIC vice-president Datuk C. Sivarraajh tweeted: “Do the right thing sir. You are a friend to me but I think you should let others lead. It’s a clear message from Malaysians. Plz take rest sir.”

Johor MIC information chief S. Deva said his own party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran should resign along with Ahmad Zahid.

“Even before GE15, I have consistently said that we must remember lessons learnt from GE14 but it fell on deaf ears.

“Barisan also failed to listen to its supporters and grassroots leaders, insisting on fielding candidates who were favourable to them instead of leaders who were desirable for the people.

“In return, the people have sent a strong message to show how disappointed they are with the decisions made,” he said when contacted.

Deva added that instead of having reliable local candidates, the party had chosen to parachute candidates from other states such as Perak and Kuala Lumpur.

“At the same time, people like Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, who have served their constituencies well, were dropped,” he said.

He urged Barisan to make drastic changes from the lessons learnt from the past two general elections.