MCA COMMITTED TO CONTESTING FUTURE ELECTIONS, AIMS TO REGAIN SEATS – WEE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to contesting in all upcoming state and general elections, stressing that winning more seats is the party’s ultimate priority.

Wee cautioned that if MCA fails to secure seats for five consecutive years, the party risks fading from public attention and losing its ability to implement its ideals.

“With (impending) key elections in Sabah, Melaka and Johor on the horizon, followed by the next general election, I urge all members to dedicate their time, effort and resources towards election preparations,” he said at the party’s 76th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA here today.

He noted that MCA currently holds only two parliamentary and seven state seats nationwide.

“That is why I earnestly urge everyone to help the party regain some seats with honour. Winning back our dignity through our efforts is what truly matters,” he said.

In the 15th General Election, Wee defended the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat, while Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng retained Tanjung Piai.

As for state seats, MCA won Chenderiang, Machap Jaya, Kelebang, Bekok, Yong Peng, Paloh and Pekan Nanas.

Wee also highlighted MCA’s role in the Unity Government, stating that the party serves as a check-and-balance force, ensuring accountability by supporting policies beneficial to the people while firmly opposing decisions deemed harmful.

At a press conference later, Wee said that state and divisional leaders have been asked to submit their candidate proposals early for constituencies they wish to contest to facilitate the selection process by the top leadership.

He also criticised certain parties attempting to sow discord between MCA and UMNO by suggesting that the Chinese-majority party should not contest in the Sabah state election.

“I asked the Sabah MCA chairman, and he confirmed that no such issue arose. So, do not impersonate an UMNO leader.

“I personally contacted Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, and he said the statement did not come from them.

“We will not entertain any political analysis claiming this or that. Let them analyse; I have no issue with that. Everyone has their own strategies. We have been in politics for a long time, and decisions on contesting and partners will be finalised later,” he said.

-- BERNAMA