SEREMBAN: The MCA will continue its focus on serving the people rather than discuss how the party will face the coming general and state elections, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"First of all, I hope the members of the grassroots can work harder as we are living in a very different situation and with the political challenges.
"There are many issues the rakyat is facing, so we have to be more practical and pragmatic in finding solutions.
"You need to speak up for the people and show that we are ready to serve anytime," he said when met after opening the state MCA convention here on Saturday (Oct 25).
Dr Wee said party members must feel the pulse of the people and then convey their grievances to the authorities.
"Basically, it is to become the spokesperson for the rakyat," he said.
He was asked to respond to a resolution by the state MCA, which called on the party's central committee to contest in the 16th general and state elections in constituencies the party traditionally contested.
Dr Wee said, for now, the party had to look into several other challenges, such as the Sabah election, as well as the Melaka and Johor state elections and whether these would be held concurrently with the GE16.
"So, we will wait and see, as there are too many factors that need to be considered.
"My advice (to members) for now is to just focus on your work because if you do not do that, then I don't think that you can win no matter who you work with," he said.
Dr Wee said the MCA would not be influenced by others, and whatever decision was taken would be made collectively.
He also urged the party to continue recruiting more young members, since Malaysians aged 18 and above were automatic voters.
He said that if this were not done, the party would lose support.
"We also need to educate them on why it was vital for them to vote.
"They need to know that their vote matters and can change a lot of things," he said.
Dr Wee also spoke of his concerns related to the RM1.2bil increase in next year's budget for the Health Ministry, adding that it was insufficient.
He said this was insufficient, as ministry staff would receive an 8% increase in January and medication prices are rising between 12% and 14%.
"We have to plan and come out with a more pragmatic solution.
"I am afraid the Rakan KKM scheme is not the answer," he said, adding that this would surely upset the people.
Rakan KKM was an initiative by the Health Ministry to introduce a "premium economy" or paid service within public hospitals and clinics.
Various quarters have voiced fears that the incorporation of Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd signalled a move towards the privatisation of public health services.
