KUALA LUMPUR: MCA must first rebuild its support base and strengthen its election machinery before discussing contesting more seats in the next general election, says party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
He stressed that the party needs three essentials in place – grassroots support, a fully prepared operations room and credible candidates – before it can realistically decide where to contest.
“Of course we want to contest more seats, and of course we want to win more. But these require all levels of the party to work together,” he said in his winding-up speech at MCA’s general assembly yesterday.
Chong added that delegates had agreed the next six months would be devoted to intensive preparations, including assessing which constituencies MCA has a genuine chance of winning.
He noted that the recent Sabah election showed how quickly political tides can shift, especially among Chinese voters, and reminded party leaders of the need to convince the community that MCA remains relevant.
“Voters must be able to see the difference: if they supported the other side before, why should they return to us now? That is the key question.”
Chong emphasised that the party must continue its service work despite limited resources.
“Without service, you can be removed very easily. We must return to the basics.”
He also underscored the need to draw a clear line on corruption, describing it as one of the strongest public sentiments following the Sabah polls.
“We absolutely cannot continue being linked to corruption. After our loss, not a single former MCA minister or deputy minister was charged. So how can anyone say MCA was a corrupt party? There is no evidence,” he said.
“But people may say, ‘Maybe you didn’t steal, but you were with those who did’. This is where we must take a firm stand. MCA must be seen as standing at the front line of the fight against corruption.”
Chong concluded that MCA must now demonstrate its values openly and chart a clear direction to rebuild trust and prepare for the next general election.
