To more years of success: Dr Wee (seventh from left), together with former and current party leaders, cutting the cake in conjunction with MCA’s 76th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA. — Low Lay Phon/The Star
Dr Wee stresses party’s role to ensure policies undergo scrutiny
KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government is a temporary political cooperation and not a permanent home for Barisan Nasional or MCA, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Highlighting the party’s commitment to democratic principles and accountability, the MCA president said the decision to form the government was crucial after Malaysia’s first-ever hung parliament following the 15th General Election.
“Pakatan Harapan held 82 seats, while Gabungan Parti Sarawak had 23. The inclusion of Barisan’s 30 seats, including MCA, became crucial to forming a government.
“This decision was made to uphold democracy, respect the King’s decree and avoid national chaos.
“However, this is not Barisan or MCA’s permanent home,” he said during MCA’s 76th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA yesterday.
The Ayer Hitam MP stressed MCA’s role as a critical voice within the unity government, ensuring policies undergo strict scrutiny.
“If the government introduces good policies, we will support them. But if there are flaws, we will criticise and hold them accountable. We will never be blind followers.”
Dr Wee cited instances where MCA took a firm stance against policies deemed detrimental to the public, including the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) takeover of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, the 2% EPF contribution for foreign workers, electricity tariff hikes and e-invoicing implementation.
He reiterated the importance of oversight and accountability, even within ruling coalitions.
Recalling MCA’s history of challenging policies during Barisan’s rule, he said the party opposed RUU355, a Bill that threatened Malaysia’s multicultural foundation, despite the political cost of losing Malay voter support in past elections.
“We stood firm because we prioritise national interest over political expediency. We do not blindly cater to any party or special interest group – we stand with the people and the country.”
Dr Wee also reaffirmed MCA’s commitment to contesting in all upcoming state and national elections, emphasising the need to secure more seats and restore the party’s dignity.
“Electoral success is crucial for restoring our party’s dignity. We must dedicate all our time, effort and resources to preparing for the elections to win more seats.”
He urged party leaders and members to unite in achieving electoral victories, warning that continued losses would erode morale.
“If MCA continues to lose elections, we will gradually lose our dignity, and morale within the party will collapse.”
Dr Wee also called on the party to regain seats with honour, underlining that winning dignity back through hard work is paramount.
Currently, MCA holds only two parliamentary seats and seven state assembly seats nationwide, plus one appointed state assemblyman.
However, Dr Wee acknowledged the party’s overall influence remains limited.
“Every time an MCA representative speaks, it feels like fighting alone. The lack of external support from party members makes us feel even more isolated.”
During a press conference later, Dr Wee said the party is intensifying preparations for upcoming elections, focusing on key divisions and strategic areas.
“Preparations need to be made early, and I have requested the relevant MCA divisions to submit their proposals,” he said.
When asked whether MCA may face off against Pakatan in the Sabah state elections or the general election, Dr Wee said the political landscape is unpredictable.
“We don’t know who will secure a majority or if this scenario will persist for several terms.
“Each party has its own strengths and experience in both government and opposition roles.
“Currently, anything is possible. It is crucial that every mandate we receive is for that term alone.
“For Sabah, we are uncertain of the outcome because even within the unity government, there will be contests at the state level. We will have to wait and see, and there is no need for concern.”
He added that discussions will be held to determine how MCA should navigate potentially different scenarios.
Addressing speculation that MCA had been asked to withdraw from the Sabah elections, Dr Wee refuted the claims, saying no senior leaders had advised the party to step aside.
