MELAKA: Fighting unfair provisions in the proposed Urban Renewal Act is a clear example of how MCA, PAS and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin can work together in the people's interests, despite their political differences, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said politicians should not be afraid to take a common stand on issues affecting the public simply because they belong to different parties or were on opposite sides of the political divide.
"Whether we are in the government or the opposition, it does not mean we have to fight each other.
"If an issue is right, we fight for it," he said.
Speaking at the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional grand finale ceramah in Bukit Katil on Thursday (Nov 12) night, Dr Wee cited opposition to the proposed legislation as an example of how political differences could be set aside to protect the people's interests.
He said MCA, PAS and Hamzah, then with Bersatu, had taken the same stand against provisions they believed could undermine homeowners' rights.
"The concerns were not confined to any particular race, as urban redevelopment could affect Malay, Chinese and Indian property owners alike."
Dr Wee said he had personally engaged non-governmental organisations and residents' associations to understand their objections, including concerns over consent requirements, compensation and the rights of existing homeowners.
More than 70 residents' associations had raised concerns over the proposed legislation, he added.
Dr Wee noted that the issue was not about opposing redevelopment itself but about ensuring existing property owners were adequately protected and not placed at a disadvantage.
He also raised concerns about the implications of allowing higher-density redevelopment, including the possible impact on traffic congestion and surrounding communities.
The MCA president said taking the same position as PAS and other opposition politicians on the issue did not mean they had to agree on everything else.
He recalled that an AI-generated video subsequently circulated on social media depicting him wearing a kopiah and green attire alongside PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, portraying MCA as being aligned with PAS.
"For me, I don't care how people want to portray me. This is about accountability," he said.
Dr Wee also denied signing a statutory declaration to support Hadi as prime minister.
He said MCA's willingness to engage politicians from different backgrounds reflected the party's approach of seeking common ground and resolving problems through consultation.
"MCA is not an exclusive party. We are an agent of goodwill (ejen muafakat).
"Whatever problems we have, we discuss and find solutions through the spirit of consultation," he said.
Dr Wee said MCA's commitment to serving the people extended beyond any single ethnic community.
He said the party's manifesto was intended to address the needs of all Malaysians, regardless of race.
"Our manifesto is for everyone," he said.
