MCA, MIC decision to skip polls to be discussed at BN meet on July 10, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: The decision by MCA and MIC to sit out the six state polls will be discussed at the Barisan Nasional meeting on July 10, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan chairman said the MCA president had contacted him on Wednesday (July 5) night to inform about the party's central committee's decision.

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He had also read the statement made by MIC secretary-general RT Rajasekaran on the same matter.

"As Barisan chairman, I respect the decision made by the two component parties.

"However, we will further discuss the matter at the Barisan supreme council meeting on July 10," he told reporters on Thursday (July 6).

Asked if he would try to persuade the two parties to change their decision, Ahmad Zahid merely said there would be further discussions with them.

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He said that MCA and MIC have seats to contest in the state polls and in the event they stick to their decision to sit out the polls, the seats would remain for Barisan to contest.

Ahmad Zahid, however, did not indicate the number of seats which MCA and MIC are supposed to contest.

"They have also given their commitment to continue to give their cooperation and will also campaign during the polls.

"There is no problem in relations with MCA and MIC, they will go down and campaign. It's just that they have decided to sit out the polls," he said.

MCA had said that it would focus on preparing for the 16th General Election and as such, will sit out the upcoming August polls in six states.

Currently, MCA holds seven state assembly seats – one in Perak, two in Melaka and four in Johor.

Its secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the decision was reached after in-depth discussion and analysis, as well as taking into account the current political situation, where the party will carry out reforms and revival.

MIC also concurred with MCA on the state elections, with Rajasekaran also announcing that his party prefers to focus on GE16.

Polling for Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu is on Aug 12.