KUALA LUMPUR: To avoid prolonged debates on Chinese new villages, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has called for a focus on improving their infrastructure and development.
Speaking from his experience as a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing new villages, he said they had the potential to become tourist destinations.
He said these new villages were set up to resettle Chinese villagers in particular areas to prevent the communist from getting supplies during that period.
“According to studies from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) on Chinese settlements, we cannot deny that the villages existed to gather all Chinese settlers in one area. They aimed to stop the communists from getting food, as they opposed the government.
“Regarding racial settlement, it cannot be denied that it occurred during the Emergency period from 1948 to 1960, and every place has its historical background.
“For us in MCA, as leaders in shaping the new villages, we advocate for continuous development. These villages have never been neglected, especially by the people residing within them,” he said after MCA’s 75th anniversary celebration.
Previously, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly said plans were being drawn up to nominate Chinese new villages in Selangor as a Unesco World Heritage Site to recognise their cultural and historical significance.
This drew flak from several Umno leaders, with party secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claiming the move would indirectly affect the position of Malays and bumiputras and that it was also against the Federal Constitution.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had earlier said the proposal should not be turned into a racial issue, adding the matter was still at the proposal stage.
Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, emphasised the need for further studies before considering Chinese new villages as heritage sites while advocating for their development.
Currently, he said, Malaysia only had 420 Chinese new villages.
“It’s crucial for the government to demonstrate commitment to developing these villages.
“I defer to the government on how best to achieve this. We can explore their potential as tourist destinations, moving beyond urbanisation transformation.
“If considering heritage status, it’s essential to recognise the limitations, as not all villages may be suitable for such designation,” he said.
