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FORMER MCA leader Ti Lian Ker has warned that recent developments within Barisan Nasional (BN) indicate a deliberate political realignment ahead of Malaysia’s 16th General Election (GE16), with MCA and MIC increasingly marginalised while Umno appears poised to maintain collaboration with DAP.
Ti commented on BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent warning to component parties that they “will not be accepted back” should they leave the coalition, noting that the message extended beyond MIC and was part of a broader strategic signal.
He observed that Zahid’s statement coincided with the dismissal of MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong’s ultimatum that MCA would exit BN if Umno cooperated with DAP in the upcoming election.
Shortly after Wee’s remarks at the MCA annual general meeting, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Fuad Zakarshi publicly declared that Umno would indeed work with DAP in GE16.
“In Umno politics, no one makes such a decisive statement without approval from the top leadership,” Ti remarked, underlining that this reflected the coalition’s broader strategy rather than an individual opinion.
While MCA continues to project a public show of defiance, Ti argued the party lacks real leverage within BN and risks quietly being sidelined—or exiting the coalition entirely without influence.
He described Zahid’s comments on expected political changes over the next two years as a “pre-emptive strike,” designed to pave the way for decisions that would marginalise certain component parties.
The exclusion of both MCA and MIC from the recent Cabinet reshuffle has intensified speculation about their futures within BN.
Ti questioned whether the parties would wait to be removed, quietly accept marginalisation, or depart with whatever dignity remains. He suggested that MIC has exhausted its options, while Umno has already signalled its intention to continue collaborating with DAP in GE16.
“MCA remains at the table without cards,” he added, “lacking influence in the unfolding political contest.”
Ti further claimed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly offered MIC a ministerial post and an ambassadorial position, but the proposal was blocked due to objections from BN leadership. Public disputes followed, with accusations of dishonesty exchanged among party leaders.
He argued that DAP emerged as the principal beneficiary of these developments.
By preventing MIC from rejoining the cabinet, DAP consolidated its influence within the unity government, leaving MCA “powerless, voiceless, and humiliated.”
Ti said the episode revealed BN’s leadership as weak and divided. Although BN secured six seats in the recent Sabah state election, he contended that the coalition’s momentum was quickly undermined by public infighting and the perceived humiliation of its partners.
Despite losing all eight seats it contested in Sabah, DAP, according to Ti, achieved its broader objective of sidelining MCA and MIC.
“This episode proves that cabinet appointments are no longer about representation or mandate,” he said.
“They are about leverage—about who can be sidelined without consequence.” He questioned how parties unable to defend their own standing could credibly claim to safeguard the dignity of the communities they represent. - December 17, 2025