PETALING JAYA: Differences of opinion are normal in politics, but division among component parties only leaves room for others to take advantage, says a Barisan Nasional Youth leader.
Barisan Youth secretary Hafiz Ariffin said this while urging MCA to return to the negotiation table and engage in discussions as a family to strengthen political cooperation.
"The cooperation between Umno and MCA is the oldest political pact in the country, since 1952 under the Parti Perikatan.
"It is not merely a political strategy but a manifestation of the cooperation between races to achieve independence and to build a nation of various ethnicities," he said in a statement, reported Sinar Harian.
Hafiz said that historical facts cannot be erased, citing the significant victory of Umno-MCA in the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council election of 1952 as evidence that unity can surmount challenges.
"Both the youths of Umno and MCA also played important roles in Perikatan's significant victories, including during the 1955 general election (when MIC joined the coalition), winning 51 of the 52 parliamentary seats contested," he said.
Meanwhile, MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung welcomed Hafiz's statement.
"We acknowledge that the relationship between the founding parties of Perikatan—Umno, MCA, and later MIC—is the foundation of this nation's early success.
"Throughout history, young men and women from all races have united at the forefront of the struggle, embodying the hopes of the people and fostering trust between their communities," he said in a statement.
Saw said that it was the shared responsibility of the youth wings of MCA and Barisan to inject a renewed spirit of camaraderie into the party, rebuild it, and restore it to its former glory.
“MCA Youth is also prepared to continue participating in open and honest discussions, seeking the best path forward,” said Saw
“We appreciate the call from our friends in Umno Youth, and we believe that as long as sincerity and loyalty to the core struggle remain, we will continue to be comrades-in-arms who are respected and trusted by the people," he added.
Previously, Umno and MCA leaders have issued statements of dissatisfaction after more than two years since the coalition joined the unity government.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon had said the party must take charge of its political course as there was no clear direction from Barisan Nasional on how the coalition should move in the next general election.
He noted that the party has consistently remained a steadfast pillar within the coalition, despite numerous challenges over the past few years.
