PETALING JAYA: MCA has never wanted “toys” from Barisan Nasional, but only respect and fair treatment from its component parties, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee stressed that MCA is not the party that was described by Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a party that is "sulking after not being given a toy", in an interview with a Malay daily on Sunday (Oct 12).
“The MCA has never pleaded for toys, let alone thrown tantrums. What we demand is respect, fair treatment and a return to the founding spirit and principles of the Alliance Party that gave birth to Barisan.
“The MCA will continue to be a party that speaks up for the people,” said Dr Wee during his opening address at the Pahang MCA Convention 2025 on Sunday (Oct 12) afternoon.
Dr Wee also emphasised that Malaysia must continue to promote and nurture talent in a fair and just manner for all communities.
As a responsible political party, Dr Wee said MCA consistently monitors and advocates for transparency in university admission policies.
“We want to ensure that every outstanding student has the opportunity to pursue their chosen field of study and remain in Malaysia, rather than letting their talent be lost abroad,” he added.
Dr Wee said MCA will continue voicing out on key national issues that affect the people most, such as the controversial Urban Renewal Act which drew strong public opposition from many NGOs and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder subsidy which impacts the cost of living.
“Therefore, I urge all MCA members in Pahang to speak up bravely for the people, serve the community actively and work hard to earn the trust and support of voters, so that Pahang MCA can once again reclaim the glory it once had," he said.
Ahmad Zahid was quoted by a Malay daily on Sunday as saying that many MCA and MIC members refused to leave Barisan.
Ahmad Zahid said there are leaders who were throwing tantrums because they were not given a “toy”, but claimed that this does not reflect the true sentiments of the grassroots.
“Some of these leaders, maybe they need ‘toys’ and that is why once they did not receive the ‘toys’, they are stomping their feet on the ground,” he was quoted as saying,
Ahmad Zahid also said the issue of MCA and MIC being sidelined does not arise, as the two parties refused to accept any positions since the formation of the government in December 2022.
The Umno President also described MIC and MCA as core partners in Barisan, saying that parties may differ in opinion, but decisions made by the coalition are all made in consensus.
Barisan ruled Malaysia for 61 years from independence in 1958 until 2018 when it lost the 14th general election.
