SEVERAL sources indicate that tensions are rising within the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, with grassroots members urging MCA to consider leaving the alliance.
MCA, a component party of BN for 72 years, is reportedly unhappy with its current position and treatment within the coalition.
Grassroots sources have revealed that there is increasing pressure on the MCA leadership to make a decisive move.
“The grassroots are putting pressure from within for the MCA leadership to make a decision to leave BN.
“They consider BN, which is now led by UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is no longer relevant to MCA because it has been sidelined in the government. However, the MCA leadership has yet to make any decision,” the source told Malaysiakini.
Malaysiakini has reached out to MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for comments but no response has been received.
The discontent has grown particularly after Zahid announced BN’s continued collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16). This announcement has not been well-received by MCA leaders and members, who cite incompatibility on various issues particularly seat distribution.
“For UMNO, they won 26 parliamentary seats in GE15 and were still able to get a large share of the 73 parliamentary seats won by Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“But we (MCA) only won two parliamentary seats (in 2022) and may have to clash with PKR and DAP to get other seats from the two parties to contest in the future,” the source elaborated.
In the GE15 held in November 2022, MCA secured only two parliamentary seats—Ayer Hitam represented by Wee and Tanjung Piai represented by Wee Jeck Seng. This poor performance continued in last year’s state election, where MCA decided not to contest due to unresolved seat distribution issues with PH.
According to sources, MCA members feel marginalised in the current government setup, perceiving themselves as “stepchildren” in today’s political landscape.
“It’s as though we are the stepchildren in today’s government. But more importantly, in the current situation, most MCA members are convinced that the BN brand can no longer be ‘sold’ to the voters.”
While the next steps for MCA remain uncertain, the party is expected to support the coalition government until Parliament is dissolved for GE16. The source hinted at a potential future collaboration with PN without formally joining the coalition.
“The support for the government is MCA’s promise to the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Therefore, if we leave BN, we will (still) support the government,” the source added.
“Perhaps at that time, MCA will collaborate with PN without the need to be a component party of the coalition.”
In a related development, another BN component party, MIC may also be considering a similar move. An MIC source cited similar grievances including issues with seat distribution and unfulfilled government promises.
“I would not be surprised if MIC takes the same steps as MCA, which is to leave (BN).”
MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran declined to comment when contacted by Malaysiakini. – July 19, 2024
