KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has expressed his disappointment with some leaders within the government bloc.
“You can see it in the Dewan Rakyat. When I criticise the government, I am accused of all sorts of things, and there are even threats to bring me before the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee," said the MCA president at the 50th Barisan anniversary held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here, Saturday (Dec 7).
Stating that such behaviour is a display of arrogance and conceit, he decried their inability to accept criticism and failure to listen to the voices of the people.
Securing victory for Barisan Nasional in the next general election is the priority regardless of which party the candidate is from, said Dr Wee.
He said he often reminded MCA members that the coalition’s interest must take precedence over individual interests.
“Reflect on the recent Mahkota by-election in Johor, which can serve as a benchmark. Many analysts noted that MCA’s campaign machinery succeeded in mobilising a significant number of Chinese voters, contributing to Barisan’s victory.
“Even though MCA is not dominant at present, its influence is gradually recovering and increasing among the Chinese community, provided Barisan’s strength is effectively demonstrated.
“I am confident that support for MCA will continue to grow in the future, ultimately benefiting the coalition as a whole,” he said
Dr Wee also spoke about renewal or transformation for Barisan in which MCA believed that any transformation undertaken must not be superficial.
“It must be firmly grounded in the aim of substantively strengthening Barisan. Most importantly, the universal core values and traditions must be preserved.
“Like it or not, we must acknowledge that the Barisan concept has been emulated by others. This is clear proof that the noble values upheld by BN are well-suited to Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society,” he added.
Additionally, Dr Wee also addressed the importance of mutual respect, tolerance, and practising moderate politics.
Such qualities have set Barisan apart from other coalitions or parties that are perceived as more extreme in their efforts to gain support, he said.
“The reality is that there is no value in gaining support through extremism, racism, or exploiting religion if it causes division within our society.
“Once, we were a united community — respecting, understanding, and caring for one another. Sadly, due to dirty politics, our society has become fragmented, plagued by suspicion and distrust,” he added.
Another important role that MCA has brought forward and remains committed to, according to Dr Wee, is to maintain checks and balances within the unity government.
“For us in MCA, it is not an issue even if we do not hold Cabinet or GLC positions. We are perfectly fine, even when others mock us — it does not affect us in the slightest.
“We remain committed to playing our role to the best of our abilities, nurturing democratic practices, including providing checks and balances on the government.
“We have been backbenchers, and we have been in the Opposition. This is no obstacle to our efforts to contribute to society and national development," he added.
Dr Wee said Barisan component parties must remain principled to correct or highlight any mistakes by the government.
“As the supporter of the government, should we remain silent in the face of mistakes?
"We aim to ensure that Barisan remains principled. When something is wrong, we correct it — nothing more.
“How much better would it be if, when a Barisan MP is baselessly attacked or slandered by the Opposition or even members of the government bloc, other Barisan MPs would rise to defend them, demonstrating our solidarity,” he added.
