YONG PENG: MCA accepts that political cooperation between parties is inevitable but stressed that partnerships should never compromise its principles, survival and the interests of Barisan Nasional.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the country's increasingly fragmented political landscape meant no single party or coalition could easily govern alone.
“Seeking cooperation when facing elections has become an unavoidable political reality,” he said in his opening speech while simultaneously opening all MCA state conventions nationwide through a live broadcast on Wednesday (Sept 16).
However, Dr Wee noted that any cooperation must be based on common principles and consensus on governance and major policies, while taking into account MCA's survival and Barisan's interests.
“Without common principles and consensus, no cooperation can last,” he said.
He also urged Umno to carefully assess parties seeking its support, saying some could be warm towards Umno when they needed its backing but turn hostile when Umno stood firm on its principles.
“If we have no space to survive, why should we cooperate with them?” he asked.
Dr Wee added that MCA's own strength would be crucial in any negotiations, stressing that the party must strengthen itself before demanding seats at the negotiating table.
“Strength is the only useful bargaining chip in politics,” he said.
Turning to preparations for the next elections, Dr Wee asked state leaders and division chairmen whether they were ready to face polls without relying heavily on assistance from the party headquarters.
He said this was particularly important if the coming general election, Melaka state election and other state polls took place around the same period, as headquarters staff and members from other states would not be able to concentrate resources in every constituency.
He also stressed that candidates should be chosen based on their chances of winning, rather than their party positions.
“Party positions are not a ticket to becoming a candidate,” he said.
Dr Wee said that MCA would rely on suitable candidates, sincere grassroots service and the ability to solve voters' problems to win, without matching its opponents on financial and manpower resources.
“People vote for you because you can get things done, not because you are a division chairman,” he said.
His call for MCA to strengthen itself comes after the party doubled its representation in the Johor state assembly from four to eight seats in the July polls, while winning two seats in Negri Sembilan after 13 years.
Dr Wee cautioned members against becoming complacent, saying the road to a wider political comeback remained long and difficult.
He also urged all members to remain humble, strengthen its organisation and return to the grassroots to listen to voters.
“Let's maintain a low profile in conduct, high profile in work,” he said.
