A united front: Dr Wee (centre) flanked by Tan (right), Dr Mah and other party members taking the party pledge during the AGM at Tunku Abdul Rahman University in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: MCA has to keep its finger on the pulse of the people to effectively address their woes and find solutions, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said the people must see MCA actively championing their rights and needs, and at the same time addressing their grievances before the party contemplates contesting in the general election.
“This means that what the people want should be translated into our actions, whether by relaying their complaints to the authorities or in other ways.
“We act as a check and balance, whether at the national or state level.
“It does not matter who it is, the opposition or the government. We should uphold universal values,” he told a press conference after officiating the Penang MCA annual general meeting at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology in Tanjung Bungah here yesterday.
Dr Wee was sharing the points he highlighted at the event, which was also attended by deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, Datuk Lawrence Low and Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, who is also the state MCA chairman, as well as secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
He said if the people are facing problems, the party must find solutions to help them.
“That is why we take pains sometimes to address issues and get the attention of the authorities,” he said.
“We should be more open and listen to what the people have to say because their concerns ultimately need to be addressed.”
He said the party’s priority should be to show its commitment to serving the community effectively.
“It is useless to talk about seats and elections if we do not do the work. So, we must do the work and we will speak up to give the best to the people in whatever capacity we can.
“It does not necessarily mean we have to hold positions in the government to be able to do it.
“We have to see ourselves playing the role of helping the people in any way,” he added.
Asked to comment on whether MCA is ready with Barisan Nasional’s decision to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan in the next election, Dr Wee said he did not want to touch on the matter at this point of time.
The Ayer Hitam MP said the party’s priority now is to work hard for the people.
“For me, we must do our work and be pure with our intentions.
“I have been alone in Parliament and will continue the struggle. I will not stop as long as the people’s problems are not solved (and) I will carry out my responsibilities and obligations,” he said.
Dr Wee said they know the people’s needs and what should be done.
“I have been a backbencher, part of the Federal Government, minister and deputy minister.
“It does not matter as long as we are dignified and give our opinion when needed,” he said.
