A former MCA vice-president claims there is growing dissatisfaction within the party, with grassroots members questioning its future in Barisan Nasional after being “led on” by Umno “for the longest time”.
Commenting on a news report on the matter, Ti Lian Ker said the party’s grassroots members believe Umno has abandoned BN‘s principles to join forces with DAP in a bid to remain in power.
In doing so, he said the BN linchpin has abandoned the coalition’s tradition of arriving at decisions based on consensus and inclusivity, leaving MCA members sidelined and disillusioned.
Drawing parallels to a troubled marriage, he told FMT:
“It’s akin to an estranged wife with a runaway husband, but the estranged wife is still holding on to hope things will return to normal despite clear and obvious signs pointing otherwise.”
He said the uncertainty has led to “massive restlessness and disillusionment on the ground towards the (party’s) top leadership”.
Ti said MCA was currently at a crossroads, as the party must decide whether to remain in BN and be satisfied with “crumbs thrown its way”, or break away to forge its own path at risk of losing everything.
Ti said that by continuing in BN, MCA may end up proving DAP’s claim that the party has always been subservient to Umno. This, he said, would tarnish the party’s image and credibility.
“It’s a dilemma. And there’s no playbook for this sort of heartbreak,” he said, adding that while MCA may not be as popular as DAP, it was still a bigger party in terms of organisation, resources and experience.
In March, after former MCA Youth secretary-general Leong Kim Soon defected to Bersatu, Ti told Malaysiakini many young members felt the party lacked direction.
He also claimed many members were dissatisfied with MCA’s current state and felt the leadership should show courage by making firm and strategic decisions to provide a clear direction for the party.
Ti went on to say the party was running out of time with regards to its preparations for the next nationwide polls.
He said MCA should discard its wishful thinking, since it is becoming clear that Umno is likely to move on with its newfound “love interest”, a reference to DAP.
He also said the “UmDAP Mantap” label bandied about at the recently concluded Ayer Kuning by-election was proof MCA and MIC were being discarded.
“We cannot be duped into a lull and lose time in getting up and gearing for the next national polls. It is becoming increasingly apparent we are going to be left out in the coming polls,” he was quoted as saying.
On Sunday, Sin Chew Daily reported MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon as urging the party to take charge of its own destiny if BN continues to drag its feet over a clear course for the coalition.
He said there was need for decisive action to ensure MCA’s future is not left in limbo.
Chong was reported to have said MCA had already given BN more than two years to recalibrate after GE15, but the coalition’s indecisiveness has left party members frustrated and uncertain. MCA should determine its own course, he said.
