WITH 40 Parliamentary seats, DAP has the highest number of MPs in the ruling coalition. Now that DAP holds executive power, MCA urges DAP to not lose sight of its roots as political parties are reliant on the trust and mandate delivered by voters.
DAP’s 40 MPs ought to stand with the rakyat and voice out on various issues confronting the public. For example, they should lend their views on the number of new taxes that will take effect commencing January which will heave further pressure on the rakyat’s lives.
These include the 8% SST (sales and services tax) which will be slapped on traditional and complementary medicine services from March 2024.
Other issues which incur public concern include changes in the Dual Language Programme (DLP) whereby schools which have conducted Mathematics and Science in English are now compelled to open one class for these two subjects to be taught in the Malay language despite the pupils having studied both subjects in English.
Another pressing issue which DAP is not expected to maintain elegant silence on but to speak up on is the shortage of teachers in vernacular schools.
Yet DAP even dares to expect MCA to remain quiet? During Barisan Nasional’s (BN) era, whenever major issues emerged, MCA remained steadfast to our duty to resolve such issues within the system before or upon receiving public feedback.
Presently, although MCA has only two MPs in Parliament including myself, we continue to voice out in the Dewan Rakyat for the masses irrespective of race. Why should we want to seal our lips?
Does DAP feel threatened by our constructive criticism and feedback for the rakyat and nation?
Observing DAP from another angle – ie when DAP was in the opposition – they attempted to whip up race rhetoric by displaying their “love” for vernacular schools or appearing to champion the rights and interests of ethnic minorities.
Never once did MCA ask DAP to zip their lips because regardless of a party’s political affiliation, MPs are elected representatives to represent numerous concerns of the citizens.
It defies logic as to why DAP under the banner of democracy and upon assuming federal office has become intolerable to constructive criticism.
Is DAP opting to go against the mandate? Wielding power is not a license for arrogance or to distance oneself from voters. As a MP, we must always remember that political power hails from the rakyat.
Therefore, Teresa Kok (vice-chairman and Seputeh MP) and DAP should not allow power to get to their heads just because of their sitting position in Parliament changes. (Editor’s Note: Kok claimed in a recent interview with Utusan Malaysia that MCA is “lost” while taking a swipe at MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for his “constant open criticism” against DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook.)
They need to be reminded that all elected representatives are beholden to the rakyat and must fulfil their responsibilities as expected.
If DAP is unable to deliver such trust and mandate nor stand up for the interests and welfare of the citizens nor repay the public’s support,
Perhaps the time has come for the Rocket to emulate MCA’s practice by taking efforts to resolve matters appropriately and amicably. – Jan 9, 2024
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng is MCA vice-president and MP for Tanjung Piai.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: The Edge