MCA, MIC to focus on GE16

PETALING JAYA: MCA will focus on preparing for the 16th General Election (GE16), and as such, will sit out the upcoming August polls in six states.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the decision to skip the state polls was made following a party central committee meeting yesterday.

“This 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.

“During this period, MCA will focus more on preparing for GE16. At the same time, MCA will play its role as a Barisan component by helping the candidates of Barisan component parties in the six states,” he said in a statement yesterday.

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

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

“This decision was made after a four-hour discussion, which took into account views from the central working committee and the current political landscape.

Ready to help: Chong and Rajasekaran both said MCA and MIC will play their role as component parties of Barisan.

“However, MIC will play its role as a component party of Barisan.

“The decision has been conveyed to the Prime Minister in his capacity as chairman of the unity government,” he said in a statement yesterday.

On a related matter, Rajasekaran said MIC had not been informed of any final decisions on seat distribution.

“I refer to the statement made by Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, where he stated that a final decision regarding seat distribution for the upcoming state elections had been made, but this fact was not discussed or agreed to by the Barisan supreme council or MIC,” he said.

Mohamad is the deputy Barisan chairman.