PETALING JAYA: Differences of opinion between component parties in a coalition are normal and should not be used as an excuse to lose direction or forsake the spirit of unity, says Barisan Nasional Youth.
Its secretary, Hafiz Ariffin, has invited MCA to engage in discussion as a family in a bid to strengthen the coalition’s long-standing partnership, warning that any divide between component parties would only create opportunities for others to take advantage.
“The cooperation between Umno and MCA is not new. In fact, it is the oldest political alliance in the country, dating back to 1952 under Parti Perikatan (the Alliance Party).
“It is not merely a political strategy but a manifestation of inter-ethnic cooperation to achieve independence and to build a multiracial nation,” he said in a statement, as reported by Sinar Harian.
Hafiz said historical facts could not be erased, adding that the Umno-MCA alliance’s big victory in the 1952 Kuala Lumpur municipal elections was clear evidence that unity can overcome challenges.
He noted that youth members from both Umno and MCA played key roles in the coalition’s major successes, including during the first general election in 1955, where the alliance secured 51 out of 52 parliamentary seats.
MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung welcomed Hafiz’s statement, agreeing that the relationship between the founding parties of the Alliance – Umno, MCA, and later MIC – formed the bedrock of the nation’s early achievements, including gaining independence and developing into a multiracial society.
“In our history, young men and women of all races have stood together at the forefront of the struggle, carrying the hopes of the people and building trust between communities,” she said in a statement.
She added that MCA Youth also agreed that in today’s complex political climate, it is crucial to uphold the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.
“Differences of opinion are normal in any political coalition, but they must be handled with wisdom, a sense of family, and sincere deliberation.
“As the youth wing of MCA and Barisan, it is our shared responsibility to inject renewed spirit into the coalition, with the common goal of rebuilding this revered party and restoring it to its former glory,” she said.
She said MCA Youth is always ready to engage in open and honest discussions in search of the best way forward.
“We appreciate the call from our friends in Umno Youth, and we believe that as long as sincerity and loyalty to our shared struggle remain, we will continue to be comrades-in-arms who are respected and trusted by the people,” she added.
