The Malaysian Insight

MCA can keep the majority Malay-Muslim government on the path of moderation, said the party grassroots, as it is widely speculated that one of its two MPs will take on the important role of wooing Chinese support. 

Party leaders are confident that Gelang Patah MP and MCA president Wee Ka Siong and Tg Piai lawmaker Wee Jeck Seng will serve as the voice of the community in new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s cabinet.

The Malaysian Insight has learnt that the two are to be assigned new portfolios in the Perikatan Nasional administration.

Pakatan Harapan lost control of the federal government on Sunday, and in the fallout, Bersatu president and Pagoh MP Muhyiddin cobbled together a coalition comprising BN, PAS and independents aligned with former PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali. The pact is also supported by Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

MCA grassroots leaders said the multiracial nature of the nation cannot be ignored.

During the Barisan Nasional era, it was customary for the transport portfolio to go to MCA.

A senior party member, who declined to be named, said there have not yet been any discussions on cabinet positions.

Wangsa Maju division chairman Ng How Doo said MCA understands that people are worried about the implementation of shariah law, and that the party shares the concern and can be counted on to speak up against it.

“As it stands now, MCA does not hold a dominant position. But we are hopeful that PAS, in the new coalition, will be more moderate.

“MCA is a Chinese-based party. I believe the MCA leadership will oppose them (Muslim leaders) if there are proposals for inappropriate policies. We do this for the sake of democracy and the Chinese community’s interests.”

Johor MCA deputy chief Lim Pay Hen believes that PAS leaders have been more moderate in their speeches after the 2018 general election.

He said although PAS has more seats in the Dewan Rakyat than MCA, with 18, the BN component, being in the government as well, can play the role of checking the Islamist party if it veers to the extreme.

“It is not only the Chinese community that is worried. The people of Sabah and Sarawak are also worried that the government will be Islam-centric. That’s the reason we need MCA in the government, for checks and balances.”

MCA youth central committee member Alvyn Chiang said the party has been cultivating ties with PAS for some time.

“At a gathering of local leaders in Perak, we mingled with PAS youth leaders. And, MCA youth has always emphasised that there should be moderation when it comes to governing the nation.

“When we exchange our views, we can share our disagreements over the implementation of shariah law. 

“Obviously, they agree with us that it’s a multiracial country, and it is our stand that a moderate path will be more beneficial to the nation, even if Islam is the official religion.”

Youth member Tan Wen Teai called for more voter support for MCA in the future, adding that Chinese interests will not be protected by other parties when it comes to policymaking.

“The government of a multi-ethnic country must have Chinese representatives. We shouldn’t expect MIC to speak up for the Chinese. If a policy is biased or ignores the interests of the Chinese community, shouldn’t it be necessary to have more Chinese representatives in the government?

“For many years, MCA has defended the rights and interests of the Chinese community, advocating the harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups, and governance with moderate policies.” – March 4, 2020.