Several Umno leaders have denied claims that the party is now prioritising DAP, a long-time adversary of its Barisan Nasional coalition partner MCA.
Umno Supreme Council member Shahaniza Shamsuddin said MCA continues to be involved in Umno programmes and even holds positions in BN-led state governments, such as in Pahang.
She cited the appointment of Temerloh MCA chief Wong Tat Chee as an assemblyman in Pahang, as well as that of former MCA Youth chief Nicole Wong as a special officer to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president.
“What evidence is there of MCA being sidelined? Even MCA president Wee Ka Siong attended Umno’s 79th anniversary celebration.
“MCA should focus on strengthening BN to win the 16th general election and move forward,” she told FMT, dismissing the allegations as merely the personal opinion of certain individuals.
Yesterday, former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said the party must assert its own direction in view of the fact that members were increasingly feeling that they had been left in the lurch by BN lynchpin Umno.
He said MCA members were of the view that Umno was favouring DAP, the party’s bitter rival.
Ti said that it would be “irresponsible” for MCA to abandon BN in its current state, but felt the party should strive to win seats in the next general election without relying on its allies.
Meanwhile, Puteri Umno chief Nurul Amal Fauzi urged MCA to work with Umno to rebuild BN, which has seen a steady decline since losing its grip on federal power after GE14.
“BN is the best coalition to represent all communities and was widely accepted until the rise of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional. We should be thinking not just about our respective parties, but about the country,” she said, calling on MCA to join forces in attracting young voters.
“Together, we must help them understand the importance of politics in ensuring national stability for all.”
