MCA vice president Ti Lian Ker alleged that DAP is targeting PAS in an attempt to spook and intimidate non-Malay voters, particularly Chinese voters, ahead of the Aug 12 state elections (PRN) in six states.
Ti pointed out that the action had generated racial and religious polarisation, with Malay voters tending to support Perikatan Nasional (PN), which is also led by PAS, while non-Malay voters are likely to support the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition led by DAP.
The former Teruntum assemblyman is of the opinion that this polarisation will continue and worsen in the run-up to the PRN with racial and religious sensitivities being used in order to get votes.
“UMNO is detested by the public because of the incitement and repeated attacks by DAP propaganda and this has led to the hatred of UMNO supporters towards DAP and the Chinese community who have been influenced by DAP’s incitement throughout the years.
“Now DAP is working with UMNO and has made PAS their new target to frighten the non-Malay voters, especially the Chinese,” penned Li on his Facebook page.
The former youth and sports deputy minister also stated that MCA decided to sit out of the PRN and become the “bridge” between racial relations in the country.
According to him, MCA’s decision to not participate in the clash – PRN – that weaponises race and religion can ease racial and religious tensions that are threatening the country.
“MCA disagrees with using unity as a tool just to obtain votes and at the same time, fostering enmity towards others.”
Moreover, Li has called for an end to religious and ethnic polemics, and an emphasis on nation building rather than nation destruction with the economy, the value of the currency, the cost of living and the people becoming increasingly constrained.
Meanwhile, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon made it clear the party has no plans to join the PN, contrary to what an opposition leader suggested yesterday (July 6).
“The MCA Central Committee has decided not to participate in the PRN and did not discuss leaving Barisan Nasional (BN). There is no question of joining other alliances,” Malaysiakini quoted Chong as saying.
Similarly, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong tweeted a single “No” in response to PN’s invitation to MCA and MIC to join the coalition.
Simultaneously, Kedah PAS deputy commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Sanusi Md Nor extended an invitation for MCA and MIC to quit BN and join the opposition, saying he is ready to offer them mixed seats for the forthcoming PRN.
Earlier on Wednesday (July 5), Chong and his MIC counterpart RT Rajasekaran noted that the parties had decided not to participate in the PRN in the six states.
However, they claimed that they still pledged their allegiance to BN and would instead focus their energy on the next general election.
Furthermore, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the two parties’ decision was unlikely to be a boycott and that he would seek an explanation from them.
The Deputy Prime Minister also added that BN leaders will meet on Monday (July 10) to discuss MIC and MCA’s decision to stay out of the polls. – July 7, 2023
