KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional must go into the next general election by strenuously protecting its traditional seats, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“The coalition must strengthen itself and face the polls in its best form and not shrink back before the battle begins, nor give up even before the battle begins.”
“If we lack confidence, how can the people have confidence in us?” he asked.
Speaking at MCA’s 77th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA yesterday, Dr Wee warned against adopting a weak stance towards contenders or signalling a willingness to give up Barisan’s traditional parliamentary and state seats.
Even if Barisan had to work with others to form a government for the sake of stability and the people’s welfare, he said its bargaining power would depend on how many seats it wins, not on “how low a posture we take”.
Acknowledging that politics today is often unpredictable, with alliances forming and dissolving and the blurring of lines between friend and foe, Dr Wee, however, said this reality should not deter Barisan from rebuilding and seeking to once again become a leading political force.
Citing Thailand as an example, Dr Wee said parties there shifted from being governing allies to election rivals before later forming a coalition government after the polls, a scenario he said felt “all too familiar” in Malaysia.
He reaffirmed that MCA would contest in the next general election and would make full preparations in its constituencies.
Party members, he said, must give their utmost priority to election preparations.
“We should not merely talk about how many seats we intend to contest or which seats we aim to contest, when we cannot even propose a qualified candidate.”
As such, he urged leaders to put aside personal grievances and not allow internal disputes to affect the preparations.
On Malaysia’s “electoral schedule”, Dr Wee said MCA expected the Melaka state election to be held this year, followed by the Johor polls in early 2027.
Preparations must now enter the “final stage”, with the party ready to battle any time, he said.
For the Melaka and Johor polls, Dr Wee said MCA’s position was that Barisan should contest both state elections under its own banner.
He noted that Barisan currently governs Johor, while Melaka operates under a unity government model, but Barisan had won both states in the previous state elections.
“It is only reasonable and justifiable for Barisan to continue contesting under its own banner and seek a mandate from voters to govern independently,” he said.
Dr Wee set two objectives: MCA must win more state seats than in the previous election, and Barisan must win both state elections under its own banner.
On education, Dr Wee said the party would continue prioritising education as part of national development.
He said MCA would strengthen talent training in artificial intelligence and other technology-related fields through its three institutions – Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, and VTAR Institute.
Dr Wee stressed that MCA’s mission remained unchanged since its founding, saying the party would continue to uphold a constitutional system grounded in multiculturalism, inclusivity, freedom and democracy, and to defend the rights and position of the Chinese community in politics, economics, culture and education.
He also asked the people to reflect on whether the country should be bogged down with political infighting and racial or religious disputes, or focus on nation-building and technological advancement.
“As long as the nation stands united and works toward the right direction, Malaysia’s future will undoubtedly be smooth and bright,” he added.
Among those present at the celebration were party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Datuk Lawrence Low and Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Wanita chief Datuk Wong You Fong, Youth chief Ling Tian Soon and fellow leaders.
Also present were party veterans and former leaders including Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai and Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek.
