SEREMBAN: The MCA is set to make a return to the electoral scene, starting with the upcoming Sabah election, announced party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee encouraged party members to intensify their efforts and brace for any potential challenges.
"The goal of every party is to contest in every election. That is crucial for its survival," he stated at the state-level MCA Chinese New Year celebration.
He advised, "We should work hard and not focus on the specifics of our participation, as we already understand what needs to be done."
His comments came in response to MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon's statement that the party intends to contest in all future state and general elections.
The MCA and its Barisan Nasional ally opted out of the state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang on Aug 12, 2023, but supported the coalition's candidates during the campaigns.
Dr Wee highlighted the strong, cooperative relationship within Barisan Nasional, noting, "Whenever there is a problem, we discuss and sort it out. That is the spirit of brotherhood in Barisan."
He urged all MCA members, including potential candidates, to prepare for upcoming elections and continue their service to the people.
Additionally, Dr Wee affirmed the MCA's role in providing checks and balances to the government, acting as the people's voice.
He noted, "The government has been doing many things right, including good policies, and we have been supportive. However, when policies adversely affect the people, we must express our opinions."
Dr Wee pointed to the MCA's vocal stance on issues such as the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) handling of Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares.
He questioned EPF's decision to sell MAHB shares at a lower price and repurchase them at a premium, suggesting it was a misuse of funds belonging to the rakyat.
"You do not sell at the lowest price and then buy back at the highest price. Anyone in the corporate world who does that would be fired," he remarked.
Dr Wee also criticised the government's classification of couples earning RM13,295 as "ultra rich," the expansion of the SST, the proposed electricity tariff hike, and the introduction of e-invoicing for SMEs.
In December, Tenaga Nasional Bhd announced that the electricity tariff rates for 2025-2027 would be determined mid-year, with the current rates maintained in Peninsular Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that any tariff increase should target the ultra-wealthy or high-profit industries, not the general population.
