The Malaysian Insight

MCA delegates are in two minds about leaving Barisan Nasional although they had given the green light to the party’s central committee to work on a plan to dissolve the coalition.

Delegates met yesterday after the annual general assembly said party members from Pahang and Perlis, where BN is still in power, wanted to stay put and did not want to leave the pact.

Others were driven by sentiment as the party had obtained independence for the country, first as part of the Alliance – with Umno and MIC, and then helped propel Malaysia to new heights as part of BN.

They also feared the party will collapse as walking out without a plan will not necessarily bring back the Chinese vote or see the party thrive.

Unlike in previous years, this year’s general assembly proceedings were closed to the media – MCA’s first after BN lost federal power. It was also the first where the former allies Umno and MIC were not invited to attend.

Currently, party president Wee Ka Siong is MCA’s sole MP with the Ayer Hitam seat while Teh Chai Aan is its Titi Tinggi assemblyman in Perlis and Lee Ah Wong is the Cheka assemblyman in Pahang.

Seremban delegate Ryan Son said the debates were carried out rationally and emotions were kept in check.

Most felt the arrogance of Umno leaders led to BN’s loss in the 14th general election on May 9.

“We need to think this through,” he said.

Bentong delegate Lee Wah Heng said delegates should not act rashly, which could lead to MCA’s collapse.

“Has MCA not worked hard to serve the people since the 2008 general election? I think if MCA, Umno and other BN component parties have all discussed and agreed that BN should be disbanded, another new alliance between the remaining parties can be formed,” he said.

Central delegate Alvyn Chiang said he agreed with the motion to empower the party’s leadership to push for BN’s dissolution, but it must discuss this with other members.

He said MCA should not leave BN because it has lost power, saying this will show that the party is only a fair-weather friend.

Chiang said BN is a necessary presence and MCA should remain part of the coalition.

“If you say MCA is being bullied in BN, we can explore other methods of cooperation. At the end of the day, politics is a numbers game, MCA will be bullied for certain when it is weak, but if the party can win about 20 to 30 seats, then how will they bully the party?” he asked. – December 3, 2018.