The Malaysian Insight

WHILE MCA is enjoying positive feedback from Johor voters, DAP is losing its momentum, said MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon.

Chong said his party is performing well as the election campaign period enters its second week.

MCA’s performance now is better than in the 2018 general election, when it lost in all 15 state seats contested, he added.

The same cannot be said for DAP, however, as the party has lost its momentum and not been able to highlight any anti-Barisan Nasional (BN) or anti-MCA sentiment, said Chong.

“DAP is unable to raise any anti-BN or anti-MCA sentiment,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“DAP is using its old strategies, but they no longer resonate because Covid-19 has affected the lives and livelihoods of the people.”

But, he said, MCA cannot afford to be complacent and make any mistake.

“There are a lot of matters that we want to underscore concerning DAP.

“DAP has made a lot of mistakes in this state elections (campaign), such as Seputeh MP Teresa Kok intimidating police and DAP leaders attacking the board of directors of Foon Yew High School.”

This is not to say that voters will return to MCA, he added, because while voters are enthusiastic, it remains to be seen which party will receive their vote.

“In the battle for Johor, DAP is MCA’s biggest rival. They will win if we lose a seat.”

On whether MCA has succeeded in winning over new and Undi18 voters, Chong said no party can say it has succeeded in that matter.

This will be known only when the ballots are counted, he added.

Chong said Johor is a litmus test for parties to gauge how new voters will vote.

MCA is fielding fresh and younger faces for the Johor polls, he added.

While risky, he said, this strategy shows the party’s determination for reform.

On the seat dispute between MCA and Umno, Chong said it is common among member parties and can be managed.

He said both parties will work to appease the grassroots and devote themselves to the election campaign.

Of the 15 seats it is contesting, MCA will face DAP in 14.

MCA is contesting in Bentayan, Bekok, Jementah, Johor Jaya, Mengkibol, Paloh, Pekan Nanas, Penggaram, Perling, Puteri Wangsa, Senai, Skudai, Stulang, Tangkak and Yong Peng.

Johor will go to the polls on March 12, while early voting will start today. – March 8, 2022.