KUALA LUMPUR: MCA’s loyalty to Barisan Nasional cannot be questioned, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president reiterated that Umno and MCA formed Perikatan or the Alliance before the nation achieved independence.
“This is not a question to ask. This is the spirit of (the Alliance) till today.
“Of course, the party also has to adapt on how we suit the needs of the people and we need to do some calibration there,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the Umno general assembly here on Friday (Aug 23).
In stressing MCA’s commitment to the coalition, the Ayer Hitam MP also called on Barisan component parties to strengthen themselves.
“Let’s look after our family. It’s Barisan first as we’ve always contested on the Barisan ticket.
“We’ve gone through so many scenarios over the years.
“What’s important is to uphold democracy and know that our responsibility to the people matters most,” he said.
On the atmosphere at Umno’s general assembly, Dr Wee said it was prominently felt all around following the win in Nenggiri.
“It was a by-election win by Barisan with a bigger majority and this injected significant motivation.
“It is good momentum and we hope to maintain it as there is the upcoming Makhota by-election as well,” he said.
In a Facebook post on Friday (Aug 23), Dr Wee said: " For many years, I have attended the Umno General Assembly, but this year, I can truly feel the high and fervent spirit of Umno members, especially after bringing home a sweet victory from Nenggiri.
"I agree with the words of the Umno President Zahid, in his keynote address, which touched upon moderate politics as the middle path.
"This is also one of Barisan Nasional’s principles where we adhere to the Federal Constitution and celebrate diversity. There is no point in being an extremist party just to win votes, as maintaining national harmony is always BN's priority. That is why MCA remains committed to a moderate approach," Dr Wee added.
He also said, "Earlier this morning, I went to WTC with MCA Deputy President, Datuk Dr. Mah Hang Soon, and MCA Secretary-General, Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
"All the best to the Umno delegates as you attend the assembly," he added.
As Umno and MCA are in the same family through Barisan, Dr Wee also said they discussed any issues collectively.
“We have never discussed them openly but rather heart-to-heart between parties.
“This is good as we will know how they feel as well.
“What’s important is to prioritise what we can do for the people and country,” Dr Wee added.
On Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s presidential address earlier Friday (Aug 23), Dr Wee said it contained important points and would motivate the grassroots.
He also said the Barisan spirit was strongly felt at the assembly.
“Empowering Barisan is our priority,” he said.
Dr Wee added that Ahmad Zahid’s assurance that Barisan’s logo will be used for the coming general election was something much awaited.
“We have been in the government for a long time and went through hard times together.
“It is also good to understand what the people are going through and work to resolve their challenges.
“There is the Mahkota by-election next and more, and it is a challenge that must be tackled by Barisan as a whole.
“Barisan, with its vast experience through the decades, can go through any upcoming challenges,” he said.
