KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has no intention of leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) as it is a founding member of the coalition, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Responding to questions following Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s policy speech at the Umno General Assembly 2025 today, Wee said MCA was committed to the alliance.
“As far as MCA is concerned, we are a founding party of BN. So that question does not arise,” he said when asked if the party would continue to stay in BN.
The party had previously signalled unease over BN’s political direction. Its general assembly last year passed a resolution to quit the coalition should any BN component work with DAP in the next general election.
Wee said Zahid’s address, which touched on unity within Umno and among its partners, was vital for strengthening the coalition.
“As a component party, we are ready to see any effort to strengthen our respective parties. Ultimately, this will translate into the overall strength of BN,” he said, adding that the coalition should be viewed as a “shared home”.
He said efforts to build confidence and welcome back former members were crucial to consolidating BN’s position.
Earlier, Zahid urged MCA and MIC to stop “sulking” and remain in the coalition. Both parties have openly expressed dissatisfaction over BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan in the unity government.
In his speech at the 79th Umno General Assembly, Zahid said that the decision to join the unity government in the national interest had strained ties among BN parties.
Zahid, who is also BN chairman and deputy prime minister, appealed for reconciliation, likening disagreements within the fold to disputes among family members.
On Zahid’s remarks about openness to broader political cooperation, Wee said such engagement must be viewed within the context of Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said while MCA was open to dialogue on issues of common interest, any cooperation under the BN banner must account for diversity and political realities.
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