PETALING JAYA: MCA has the right to decide not to contest in the upcoming state elections, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that as one of the founding members of the Barisan Nasional coalition, the party asserts its right to make decisions on its future.
"The party has the right to determine the future of our political party; it is not for others to determine our actions", he said after attending a briefing for grassroots members from Selangor, Federal Territories and Negri Sembilan on Saturday (July 8).
He said the decision to sit out the polls was made in a central committee meeting on Wednesday (July 5).
Dr Wee was responding to comments made by former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, who said that MCA and MIC's decision not to field candidates in the six state polls, was influenced by feeling sidelined by Umno after Barisan formed a unity government with its former rival, Pakatan Harapan.
Dr Wee also expressed gratitude for the support from MCA members over the decision.
He emphasised the need to move forward and for the party to play its role as a coalition component party to support Barisan candidates.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the decision to sit out the polls was reached after in-depth discussion and analysis as well as for the party to carry out reforms and revival.
"During this period, MCA will focus more on preparing for the 16th General Election."
The Election Commission announced that polling day for the state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Penang will take place on Aug 12.
