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THE Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has indicated a willingness to work alongside former members of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) who have left the party amid its ongoing internal crisis, while stopping short of actively recruiting them, party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said on Saturday.
Speaking at a Chinese New Year open house for constituents in Taman Kota, Dr Wee emphasised that many of the ex-Bersatu affiliate wing members were formerly MCA members themselves.
He stressed that differing opinions are natural in any political party and that collaboration is possible if it serves the broader interests of the rakyat.
“Actually, many of the (ex-Bersatu associate wing) members are former MCA members. In any party, there will be those with differing views. As long as we can work together and strive for the well-being of the rakyat, I have no objection,” Dr Wee told reporters.
The event was co-hosted with Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, who is also the Yong Peng assemblyman.
The remarks come amid a wave of departures from Bersatu following the party’s recent disciplinary actions.
On February 13, Bersatu expelled 17 members, including several supreme council members and its deputy president, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
These expulsions triggered resignations among division leaders, particularly in Johor, where 11 division chiefs and the state Bersatu associate wing chief stepped down.
Earlier on Saturday, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin welcomed the ex-Bersatu members, noting that his party hopes to consolidate Malay parties under a single platform through initiatives such as Rumah Bangsa, which aims to reconnect former party members.
Meanwhile, Dr Wee said that discussions on seat allocation for the upcoming Johor state election have not yet taken place, despite speculation that the election may be approaching.
He highlighted that the state government is set to enter its fourth year next month and expressed confidence in the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the dedication of the state executive councillors.
“The necessary preparations have been made and I am confident of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s leadership and the hardworking attitude of the state excos. We have not discussed seats yet, but we know what needs to be done and our preparations began immediately after the 2022 state election,” he said.
The MCA’s cautious openness signals an interest in fostering cross-party collaboration without appearing to exploit Bersatu’s internal turmoil for immediate political gain. - February 22, 2026