MCA lacks the capacity to operate independently - claims Umno supreme council member

THE Malaysian Chinese Association’s (MCA) recent resolution at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to consider leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) has been described by senior UMNO leaders as little more than political manoeuvring aimed at securing preferential treatment within the coalition.

UMNO’s Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said MCA realistically lacks the capacity to operate independently in Malaysia’s current political landscape, noting that the party’s roots are firmly embedded within the coalition framework that predated BN.

“MCA would not be able to move solo without its component party partners. That is why MCA has endured until today, because it began as part of the Alliance before the formation of Barisan Nasional.

“Without Malay support, the party would not win any parliamentary seats, such as in Air Hitam and Tanjung Piai,” Puad wrote on Facebook.

Puad, who also serves as Speaker of the Johor State Assembly, added that if MCA genuinely wished to exit BN, its only real options would be to join Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Yet, he argued, neither coalition offers a comfortable or advantageous platform for the party.

“Therefore, MCA only has two choices if it leaves BN, either PN or PH. But given PN’s heavy defeat in Sabah, that is certainly not the best option.

“MCA also rejects PN because it is uncomfortable with PAS. At the same time, joining PH would be difficult because DAP would certainly oppose it. Even if accepted, MCA would likely become a ‘stepchild’ within PH,” he said.

He stressed that the AGM resolution is effectively a tactical move to pressure UMNO and BN into giving MCA greater priority, particularly in negotiations over constituency allocations for the 16th General Election.

“The resolution at the MCA AGM is merely a form of threat to ensure BN gives special treatment to MCA, especially in seat distribution for the next general election. MCA is seeking a dignified way to remain within BN,” Puad added.

The MCA, during its AGM last Sunday, also approved a resolution rejecting collaboration with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in GE16, citing ideological differences between the parties.

The AGM developments follow earlier speculation that two BN component parties, MCA and MIC, were discontented and considering leaving the coalition altogether. - December 10, 2025