KUALA LUMPUR: Voters, especially within the Chinese community, are no longer loyal to any particular political party and will not hesitate to “teach a lesson” to those who fail to deliver on their promises, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
Citing the Sabah state election as a clear warning, Chong said support could no longer be taken for granted by any party.
He noted that in Sabah, where the state polls were held amid intense competition between coalitions and local parties, many voters shifted their support based on local issues, delivery of services and dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises.
“The Sabah election was a reminder to all political parties. Voters’ support, especially Chinese votes, can no longer be seen as permanently belonging to any party.
“If promises are made but not fulfilled, voters will certainly teach us a lesson,” he said during MCA’s 77th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA here on Saturday (March 7).
Chong said growing dissatisfaction among the public towards DAP was increasingly evident, whether in coffee shop conversations or on social media.
However, he stressed that this did not mean MCA would automatically benefit from the shift in sentiment.
“MCA is fully aware that when people decide not to vote for DAP to punish them, it does not mean that they will automatically vote for or support MCA,” he said.
Instead, he said the party must work harder on the ground and prove itself through sincere service.
“What we can do is to continue working, working and working even harder. We must provide genuine service to the people so that their dissatisfaction with the current government can be translated into real support for MCA, and make MCA their first choice,” he added.
Looking ahead to the Melaka and Johor state elections as well as the next general election, Chong called on the entire party machinery to give its all.
“As we approach the Melaka and Johor state polls and the coming general election, MCA must give its full commitment. The whole party must move forward with full spirit,” he said.
Chong also warned against relying solely on the weaknesses of political rivals.
“We cannot just hope that because others are doing badly, we will somehow have a chance.
“We must take the initiative, win back support vote by vote, and truly become a force that ultimately gains the trust and support of the Chinese community,” he added.
