Standfirst: The subtle threat by the two parties to go separate ways is to ensure BN goes solo, so that they can stand in seats lost to DAP and PKR in the last general election.
By Parkaran Kutty
In its general assembly on Dec 7, MCA firmly rejected any cooperation with DAP for the upcoming general election (GE16). Delegates agreed that the party would chart its own course if any Barisan Nasional (BN) component party chose to collaborate with DAP ahead of the election scheduled to be by November 2027.
It's clear that the party chief Wee Ka Siong is referring to is Umno, the leading partner in BN, currently enjoying the majority of ministerial and government-linked positions.
Meanwhile, founding partners MCA and MIC feel sidelined, despite their claims that they seek respect and dignity rather than positions of power.
Umno's current 26 seats are crucial for the stability of the Madani government, while the mere two MPs from MCA and one from MIC hold little sway. Last month, MIC delegates also voted to consider leaving BN, contingent on a decision from the party’s central working committee.
Both MCA and MIC appear to be issuing veiled threats about leaving BN, fully aware that going solo would be detrimental to their political future. They need a coalition to remain relevant and defend their current seats, as well as to reclaim those lost in previous elections.
If BN partners with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as Madani candidates in GE16, MCA and MIC can expect no generosity from DAP or PKR for their existing seats. Even Perikatan Nasional (PN) is unlikely to relinquish any of its current holdings. Every seat counts in future elections, and MCA and MIC leaders understand that they will struggle to secure Malay votes independently, which have historically been essential for their candidates.
The PAS factor
The presence of PAS in PN is a significant barrier preventing MCA from leaving BN to join the opposition coalition. While MIC has not openly expressed this concern, insiders indicate that it weighs heavily on their leadership and community. It must be said that non-Malays do not fear Islam but it's how PAS uses religion for political power that is of utmost concern.
Wee has been candid, stating that the Chinese community's rejection of PAS makes joining PN unfeasible. He noted that Chinese voters oppose PN due to controversial remarks made by PAS leaders that touch on non-Muslim sensitivities.
“The Chinese community does not hold a positive view of PAS. In fact, they reject the party,” Wee asserted, emphasising that this sentiment will continue to deter non-Muslim parties from aligning with the PN.
MCA is absolutely right and its concerns are legitimate. A mere verbal assurance like saying it won’t close down four-digit gambling outlets if it rules Selangor rings hollow. This is just not enough. Non-Muslim fundamental rights go beyond gambling.
This concern is valid, especially as demographic shifts will reduce the non-Malay population to a minority in the coming decades. While fundamental liberties may be assured for now, there is no guarantee that PAS would uphold these rights if it were to secure a two-thirds majority.
One of PAS's founding principles is to establish an Islamic nation, a goal unlikely to be abandoned, especially if MCA and MIC were to join PN.
MCA and MIC have found themselves in a precarious position, facing challenges on whether they should stay or leave BN.
However, being major parties with significant assets and memberships, they need a lifeline to regain relevance in the Malaysian political landscape. Many believe that remaining in BN, with the assurance that the coalition will go solo at the next general election as it has in the past, is their best option.
Parkaran Kutty (parkarank@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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