KUALA LUMPUR: A “comprehensive cooperation” with DAP has been ruled out by MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic), who says that there is no such need nor a right time for it.
“MCA has been the target of attacks and smears by DAP for decades; the party became their subject for political annihilation.
“The accumulation of negative sentiments against the party cannot be easily dismissed,” he said.
Even today, with DAP in power (in the government), he claimed that many DAP leaders still treat MCA as a punching bag, placing blame on the party for their own shortcomings.
“That is why MCA members react negatively to any cooperation between MCA and DAP,” he told reporters after opening MCA Youth’s 50th annual general meeting yesterday.
(Earlier, outgoing MCA Youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong said in her speech that MCA should never engage in any collaboration with DAP although both parties are now part of the coalition government. She said DAP had continuously subjected MCA to insults and malicious talk in the past 57 years.)
Dr Mah said that both parties could still maintain a certain level of cooperation on specific issues to safeguard the Chinese community if DAP agrees with MCA’s principles.
However, Dr Mah said that MCA’s objectives had differed from DAP’s.
“MCA does not compromise when it comes to safeguarding the community’s rights and interests.”
Citing the examples of “sekolah wawasan” (vision schools), he said DAP’s stance when it was in the Opposition had changed drastically when it came to power.
“As for MCA, our stand has remained the same. We objected to having such a school because we were clear that it would change the essence of Chinese primary schools.
“MCA will never allow it to happen.”
He said DAP had previously attacked Umno for corruption but the party was now “hugging and praising its biggest political enemy of 60 over years”.
“Politics is the art of the possible; DAP executed this ‘art’ so well, but MCA can’t do it,” he said, adding that it was important for MCA to provide the check and balance on the unity government.
To a question, Dr Mah said MCA would engage in discussions about the trend among Malaysian youths who showed support for Perikatan Nasional.
“Every political party is concerned about this, which directly impacts the party’s existence and our future performance,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Dr Mah said MCA Youth must demonstrate its boldness by speaking out and questioning matters related to governance and national policies.
“As the youth organisation of a political party, we should be fearless and outspoken. I believe that when it comes to unreasonable national policies and inadequate governance, MCA Youth should demonstrate the vigour of the youth, daring to challenge and speak out,” he added.
Dr Mah said that there had been talk that MCA, as a member of the unity government, should not question government policies.
“However, they have forgotten that over the past 60 years, during Barisan Nasional’s governance, MCA had openly opposed or protested against unreasonable and unfair policies.”
These critics, he said, should look into MCA’s past and observe its consistent approach to engaging in political discourse.
In his maiden speech as MCA Youth chief, Ling Tian Soon said the foremost focus for him was to widen the wing’s membership base.
He cited a quote from party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong that “whoever has the youth, has the hope”.
“As the party’s new generation, we must make MCA Youth the vanguard of party reform.
“Let us bring forth a new atmosphere and image to the party, becoming its hope.”
He said MCA Youth would need to widen its recruitment and strengthen its talent pool.
“Let’s improve our nationwide network. Wherever there are Chinese, there should be MCA Youth,” he added.
Ling also called for the United Nations to intervene in the conflict between Palestine and Israel.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the conflict. We condemn any form of violence and the persecution of people.
“I call upon the intervention of the United Nations to mediate the conflict and protect the people of Israel and Palestine from the crossfire.
“We hope that the international situation can be de-escalated and a collaborative resolution can be reached,” he said.
Ling also presented a memento to his predecessor, Wong, who received a standing ovation for her speech before relinquishing the post she held for five years.
