Wee taking a group photo with MCA and other Barisan leaders.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah MCA will contest in the upcoming Sabah state election, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president and Ayer Hitam MP said MCA had won in the past and there is a chance to win again if they contest.
Asked what strengths they have now to win any state seat, given consecutive losses since 2018, he said their ongoing preparations, including strengthening the organisation and working on the ground, are key.
"For the last few years, we have been beefing up our organisation and I think they have done a good job, especially in areas they intend to contest," said Dr Wee after officiating at the Sabah MCA AGM on Saturday (Sept 6).
He said MCA leaders and members have also been working hard at the grassroots level to gain trust and support from the people.
While the intention to contest is clear, he is not revealing how many seats or which areas Sabah MCA is considering, as the final decision has not been made.
Dr Wee said it would be premature to say anything now, and that the final decision will be made by the Sabah MCA team after discussions with him and the central leadership.
"On other levels, we must work with other Barisan Nasional component parties to win in the coming state election," he said.
He added that in politics, MCA and Barisan can be friends with anyone in the state government, but during elections, these friends become foes as all contest against each other.
Nevertheless, Sabah MCA already has candidates ready, said Dr Wee, emphasising quality, rapport with grassroots, and those who have worked tirelessly for the party as the main criteria for candidate selection.
Earlier, Sabah MCA chief Datuk Teah Heok Kuin said Sabah MCA remains relevant in the state and has the support base needed to win seats in the coming state election.
He said a win could be secured under Barisan if all members work together in unity.
In May, he mentioned that MCA was seeking the opportunity to contest Segama, which it considers its top priority, followed by Tanjong Kapor and Karamunting.
However, a complicated electoral pact is emerging, with Sabah Pakatan forging a seat-sharing formula with Barisan and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), while Barisan and GRS have agreed not to work with each other.
