KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is determined to contest in all upcoming state and national elections, aiming to secure more seats than before, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president emphasised that only electoral success could restore the party’s dignity.
"We must dedicate all our time, effort, and resources to preparing for the elections to win more seats," he said in his speech at MCA’s 76th Party Anniversary on Saturday (1 March) at Wisma MCA.
Regarding the upcoming party election, Dr Wee reassured members that there was no cause for concern or any need to start preparing for an internal contest.
"This is not our focus right now, and we should not overemphasise the party election. As soon as the 16th General Election concludes, I will immediately sound the gong and launch the party election. MCA is a democratic party whose democratic processes have always functioned smoothly.
"Everyone can rest assured that when the time comes, the central delegates will decide how the election should be conducted," he added.
However, he criticised a small group within the party for holding a misguided mindset, believing that losing the general election was inconsequential as long as they could still contest in the party election.
"This is the worst possible mindset—it’s like wanting to invest overseas without even having a passport! Winning the party election but failing to secure a seat in Parliament or the state assembly—what meaning does such a victory hold?
"Everyone must understand that leaders come and go, but the party’s interests are more important than individual gains and losses," he said.
Dr Wee has urged party leaders and members at all levels to rally together to secure more electoral victories, warning that continued losses would erode the party’s dignity and morale.
"I call on the entire party, from the central leadership to state, division, and branch leaders, as well as all party comrades—please remember: If MCA continues to lose in elections, we will gradually lose our party’s dignity, and morale will collapse throughout the party," he said.
"Therefore, I earnestly urge everyone to help the party regain some seats with honour. Winning back our dignity through our efforts—this is what truly matters," he said.
Dr Wee pointed out that MCA currently holds only two parliamentary seats and seven state assembly seats across the country, with one additional appointed state assemblyman. However, he admitted that the party’s overall influence remains weak.
"Every time an MCA representative speaks out, there is a sense of fighting alone. The lack of external support from party members makes us feel even more isolated," he said.
MCA secured two parliamentary seats and seven state seats. Dr Wee Ka Siong successfully defended the parliamentary seat of Ayer Hitam, while Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng retained the parliamentary seat of Tanjung Piai.
For the state seats, Choong Shin Heng won in Chenderiang, while Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem emerged victorious in Machap Jaya. Datuk Lim Ban Hong secured the seat of Kelebang, and Tan Chong won in Bekok. Ling Tian Soon claimed the seat of Yong Peng, while Lee Ting Han triumphed in Paloh. Finally, Tan Eng Meng won the state seat of Pekan Nanas.
