GEORGE TOWN – MCA members must remain actively engaged on the ground and listen to public concerns to offer viable solutions as the party prepares for the next general election, said party president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
Wee emphasised that party members should avoid being seen as mere “parachute” candidates and instead work closely with the public.
“We need to show that we are always on the ground and listening to rakyat’s ‘pulses’.
“Their wishes should be translated into actions by the party, either by channelling their woes to the authorities or playing the checks and balances role,” said Wee in a press conference after officiating the Penang MCA Annual Convention at the TAR UMT college campus in Tg Bungah.
“We need to find solutions for problems faced (by the people),”
Wee, who also serves as the MP for Ayer Hitam, underscored the need for his party colleagues to be more receptive to public grievances, stressing that these issues must be resolved in due course.
Earlier, Penang MCA tabled a resolution during the convention, urging the party’s central leadership to defend all its traditional seats nationwide in future elections.
Commenting on this, Wee remarked that MCA must first ensure its members maintain a strong presence on the ground, noting that public support would follow naturally if the party remains engaged.
“That is the most important thing (to accomplish first), then only we have a basis to contest a seat.
“We need to start working now. It is pointless to talk about seats where we are not working (on the ground),” he added.
Wee’s comments come as Barisan Nasional’s Chinese component party continues to struggle in reclaiming traditional Chinese-majority seats, particularly those now held by Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP.
The party has faced significant challenges in regaining its foothold in Penang since its defeat in the 12th general election, having lost in the three subsequent elections.
Despite expressing intentions to contest several seats, Penang MCA abstained from the 15th state election last year, following failed seat negotiations with Penang Pakatan Harapan.
‘I Am Immune to Criticism’
Separately, Wee said that he is unfazed by criticism from political analysts, as long as the party operates correctly and with “noble intentions in doing the right thing.”
He was responding to a political analyst’s remark that MCA and MIC are unlikely to significantly aid BN in regaining dominance in the next two to three general elections.
“As long as the party is around and with dignity, we will do the necessary in providing our views as a party.
“I thank this analyst (for his comments) and I do not wish to speak more on this as I respect people’s freedom of speech, unlike others who would (simply) go to court,” he added. – August 31, 2024