SEREMBAN: MCA has not compromised its principles by backing Barisan Nasional’s electoral strategy in the Negri Sembilan state election, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said the arrangement was part of Barisan’s careful strategy to regain the state government.
The party’s participation was based on the belief that being part of a Barisan-led government would allow MCA to continue championing issues important to its constituents, he said.
“We have not abandoned our principles or our role. If there are policies that are not in line with our stand or affect the people’s interests, MCA will continue to speak up,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Dr Wee said that it was only natural for MCA to want to be part of efforts to recapture the state government, instead of remaining on the sidelines.
“If Barisan has a plan to win the state government, shouldn’t MCA be part of that plan?
“If we’re part of the government, then we have a voice. We can continue speaking up for the Chinese community, Chinese education and religious freedom,” he said.
Dr Wee also pointed out that MCA’s position was different from what DAP did in 2013 when its then secretary-general Lim Guan Eng signed a joint declaration with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, reaffirming their commitment to Pakatan Rakyat’s Buku Jingga policy framework.
“Did I ever sign an agreement with PAS like Lim Guan Eng did in 2013? We did not,” he said.
Dr Wee was responding to questions about disagreement among MCA members over Barisan’s arrangement with PAS in the Negri Sembilan polls to avoid multi-cornered fights.
He said MCA accepted differing opinions within the party, but members should unite once decisions had been made collectively.
“MCA is a party that accommodates different opinions.
“Once the party has reached an important strategic decision, we must shoulder collective responsibility,” he said.
Dr Wee called on party leaders and members to set aside their differences and focus on the party’s campaign in the two-week run-up to polling day.
“What is most important now is for our seven candidates to secure victory. If there are differing views, we can discuss them later. At this moment, our direction must be the same.
“Our fight is against our political opponents in front of us, not against one another,” he said.
Three days ago, MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung had voiced her disagreement with the Umno and PAS collaboration and asked whether MCA should compromise its long-held principles.
Asked about this yesterday, Dr Wee said:
“I can understand that some Youth leaders may not have had the full picture at the time.”
He said his immediate priority now was the state election, not internal disputes.
“MCA can accommodate different opinions. From now on, I hope all party members will move in the same direction,” he added.
