PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional must rely on its own record in government to win over voters, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said going solo in the next general election would be the right move for the coalition.
“That’s what we expect and it is in line with our thinking. The idea of strengthening Barisan is our priority,” he said in reference to Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s remarks that the coalition was “almost certain” to go solo in the 16th General Election.
Dr Wee said Barisan must first focus on consolidating its base and presenting a clear, credible alternative to voters, starting in states where it is already in government.
“It’s important that we look after our own house first,” he said.
Citing Johor, Dr Wee said Barisan’s administration there showed how stable governance, consistent policies and delivery on the ground could persuade voters.
“Johor is one of the best examples of what we mean by ‘track record’. If you govern well, provide stability and look after the people, they can see it for themselves,” he said.
While Barisan would have no say on how many parties enter a race, he said it could control its own readiness, unity and message.
“What we can do is to show that we are prepared, serious and united.
“Let our performance and services convince the rakyat,” he added.
However, Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities said Barisan should consider a “hybrid” strategy in the next general election – going solo in its strongholds while striking seat deals with allies elsewhere – to stay competitive in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
He said Umno could contest independently in Malay-majority constituencies but work with Pakatan in mixed or opposition-leaning seats to avoid multi-cornered fights.
“Barisan can go solo in certain areas, but in others they should work together. This hybrid approach allows both sides to optimise their strengths,” he said.
He added that recent by-election trends suggested that Malay support for Umno was showing signs of recovery, indicating the party still has a base, with support among Malay voters at about 30% to 35%.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s Asst Prof Dr Lau Zhe Wei said the main hurdle for a Barisan-Pakatan cooperation in the next general election would be seat negotiations.
He said while Umno may still be able to negotiate with Pakatan over Malay-majority rural seats – particularly to avoid vote splits that could benefit Perikatan – the situation may not apply to MCA and MIC.
Lau said such a hybrid approach would be difficult to implement as trust between partners would be tested, especially in marginal constituencies.
