For the common good: MCA delegates giving full support to Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after his speech. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite facing intense criticism and attacks from various groups, Barisan Nasional and its people-focused initiatives have persevered, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Speaking at the party’s 71st annual general meeting, the MCA president addressed the disparaging remarks labelling certain projects as “detrimental to the country”, “mortgaging the nation” and “stealing from the people”.
Yet, he pointed out that subsequent governments have adopted and continued these initiatives.
Dr Wee said these projects include the Mass Rapid Transit Line 2, Light Rail Transit Line 3, East Coast Rail Link, Rapid Transit System, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, Lynas, Forest City and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, among others.
“Fostering a spirit of unity and harmony among the diverse races is also not an easy task, but Barisan has succeeded in building unity through the spirit of consensus,” he said.
Addressing the criticism, Dr Wee acknowledged that MCA has weathered a storm of defamation and insults in recent years, opting for a moderate approach rather than extreme reactions.
“We’ve been labelled ‘pak turut’ (yes men) and insulted simply because MCA is friends with Umno, adheres to the Federal Constitution, celebrates diversity and cherishes harmony,” he said.
Dr Wee also said the coalition has been a victim of defamation, which intensified after 2008 and contributed to its downfall in the 2018 general election after over 60 years in power.
“The injection of hateful doctrine, infused with racial incitement, was aimed at swaying public support away from Barisan, causing the people to distance themselves due to this toxic propaganda,” he said, adding that Barisan is an organisation focused on the people’s agenda.
“As the second largest component party in Barisan, MCA embodies the coalition’s progressive, inclusive and moderate ethos,” he added.
He also reiterated MCA’s support for the unity government called for by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, adding that the party complies with the Barisan supreme council’s collective decisions, always prioritising consensus for the common good.
The annual general meeting was attended by 1,318 delegates.
Former MCA presidents Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan and Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai were also present at the meeting.
In his conclusion after the debate of resolutions, Dr Wee responded to Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s remarks about “forgiveness”, saying that MCA has remained steadfast to Barisan and committed no wrongdoing in the lead-up to the formation of the unity government.
“MCA did not violate any fundamental coalition principles. We have been clear and conscientious in our actions, and we did not betray the coalition,” he said.
This is despite the party being unfairly labelled a traitor and humiliated for remaining with Barisan in the unity government, he added.
“When you form new alliances or have new friends, you might choose to forgive past actions. It is okay. However, since MCA did nothing wrong, forgiveness is not applicable in this,” said Dr Wee.
