KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA respects collective decisions within Barisan Nasional even when they do not fully meet the party’s expectations, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said this approach distinguished MCA from parties that sought to claim credit for themselves or pursued short-term political gains.
“Even if it does not follow exactly what we want – perhaps we get 70% – we understand how to work for the remaining 30%. That is the main difference between us and the parties today,” he said at the 12th BN Forum, themed Agenda Malaysia Biru, on Wednesday.
Dr Wee said MCA raised issues affecting the Chinese community through discussion with Barisan partners and the government, including at the Barisan supreme council and, where necessary, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister.
“When there is a result, we do not say, ‘I am clever, I fought for it, I got it’. MCA does not do that,” he said.
He said MCA had paid a political price for its stand, but would remain loyal to its Barisan partners.
“MCA, although it has paid a rather high price, remains firm in its position. We will remain loyal to our friends. That is all,” he said.
Dr Wee said MCA was often criticised by its political opponents despite its role in raising issues involving the Chinese community, including education.
“Since 2008, look back at the Chinese media. Every day, who was attacked? Umno. Who responded? MCA,” he said.
He said MCA leaders were sometimes subjected to a different standard from other political figures.
“If Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says A, and I say A, I guarantee that I will be attacked, not Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, even though we are saying the same thing,” he said.
Dr Wee said MCA would continue raising concerns and seeking solutions, even where a resolution could not be achieved immediately.
“MCA’s position is clear. We do not mortgage the interests of any community. We raise the matter, we try, and if we cannot get it, we will do our utmost to find a solution,” he said.
He said disagreements within a coalition should be resolved through discussion.
“We are not like those who say one thing in front and another at the back. If we quarrel, and we understand the decision later, we make peace and seek a common understanding. That is the Barisan Nasional way,” he said.
The forum was moderated by Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. Other panellists were former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Tan Sri Nordin Kardi of Jakarta Business School and political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
The forum was held against the backdrop of Barisan’s Agenda Malaysia Biru, a long-term national blueprint aimed at charting Malaysia’s development towards the country’s centenary of independence.
Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed framework would look beyond a single election cycle, linking Malaysia’s long-term ambitions with the immediate needs of the people.
