PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs leaders who are prepared to build a more mature nation instead of promoting the politics of fear, said MCA information chief Chan Quin Er.
She said being a mature Malaysian was about standing by the Federal Constitution and the country, not being afraid of another party, another race, or the weight of history.
Chan also said fear had “never built a better Negri Sembilan”.
“But the real question is this: who will uphold the Federal Constitution, protect our multicultural society, and solve the problems that matter to ordinary Malaysians?” she asked.
She said voters were more concerned about the rising cost of living, job security, quality of infrastructure such as roads, floods, and attracting investments, rather than arguments over “who once shared a stage with whom”.
Addressing criticism of Barisan Nasional over its choice of political partners, Chan pointed out that some of those who are now asking voters to reject MCA had themselves once stood on the same stage, campaigned alongside, and worked with many of the very parties they are now criticising.
Responding to criticism of MCA’s decision not to contest Chinese-majority seats, she said representation had never been about the racial makeup of a constituency.
“What matters is whether you consistently defend Chinese education, Chinese organisations, religious freedom, and the business community,” she said.
“So, don’t tell people what they should fear. Tell them what you are prepared to build.”
A similar message came from Terengganu MCA liaison committee chairman Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew, who is speaking from a state where PAS and its allies hold every seat in the state assembly.
Ong said political parties had to face reality instead of hiding behind slogans.
“PAS is the elephant in the room in Malaysian politics today. The danger isn’t how strong the opponent is but pretending that strength doesn’t exist,” she said.
The mature approach, she added, was not to remain outside the system forever, but to engage with it while safeguarding the rights of Chinese Malaysians.
“We must also uphold multiculturalism and defend the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
“Our principles must stay firm, even if our methods have to adapt,” she said.
Describing the moment as a responsibility to the next generation, Ong said the challenge was bigger than the rise of any one party.
“Our job is to leave behind a political landscape that’s easier for the next generation to navigate,” she said.
Under the no-clash arrangement for the Aug 1 state polls, Barisan is contesting 25 seats and Perikatan Nasional 11, with MCA fielding seven candidates.
