KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties heading into the next general election will be facing increasingly cynical voters who are tired of empty promises, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
These voters are ready to punish those who fail to deliver, he said, pointing out that Chinese voters in particular were no longer loyal to any single political party.
They would not hesitate to “teach a lesson” to those who did not keep their word, he said.
Citing the Sabah election three months ago, Chong said the outcome showed that no party could take public support for granted.
The state polls, he said, were held amid intense competition with many voters shifting their support based on local issues, delivery of services, and dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises.
“It was a reminder to all political parties that voters’ support, especially from the Chinese, can no longer be seen as exclusive 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 here yesterday.
Chong said growing dissatisfaction among the public with DAP was increasingly evident, as seen in social media postings and coffee shop conversations.
However, he stressed that these developments did not mean MCA would benefit from any shift in sentiment.
“MCA is fully aware that when people decide not to vote for DAP or to punish them, it does not mean that they will automatically turn to supporting MCA,” he said.
Instead, he said the party must work harder and be sincere in public service so that MCA would be people’s first choice.
Looking ahead to the upcoming polls in Melaka and Johor, as well as the next general election, Chong urged the entire party machinery to put forth their utmost effort.
Chong also warned against relying solely on the weaknesses of political rivals.
“We cannot just hope that we will somehow have a chance because the others are doing badly. We must take the initiative, win back support vote by vote.”
He stressed that MCA is the only Chinese-based political party in Malaysia and the only one that clearly states in its constitution that it would defend the rights of the Chinese community.
“No matter who is in power, and whether MCA is in government or in opposition, MCA will always be the first voice to stand up for the Chinese community,” he said.
On education, Chong said MCA’s core goal was to equip students with practical skills and a competitive edge so they would have a better future.
He said the party had long upheld the belief that “no matter how poor we are, we must not be poor in education”.
“Education has always been our central mission,” he said, citing the party’s establishment of educational institutions.
Chong noted that VTAR Institute’s electrical and electronic programmes were recently awarded a five-star rating in the latest assessment by the Malaysian Skills Development Department.
“We develop education through institutions, develop talent with resources, and prove our commitment through results.”
He said MCA would ensure the Chinese community has dignity, space and a future in the country.
“Education is the foundation, culture is the soul and rights are the safeguard. This is the historical responsibility that MCA has shouldered for 77 years, and which we must continue to do,” he said.
