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FORMER MCA leader Ti Lian Ker has criticised the Democratic Action Party for failing to function as an effective representative or messenger for the Chinese community, following remarks by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail praising DAP’s role in the state government.
Wan Rosdy was reported by Berita Harian as saying it was sometimes easier to work with DAP executive councillors than with MCA representatives. He praised DAP for its “support” and “good advice” during state executive council meetings.
“Sometimes they give good advice about leakages (in funds), potholes and so on,” Wan Rosdy said, adding that political differences between Umno and DAP should not be used as an excuse to create divisions among Malays.
Wan Rosdy’s comments were made in response to criticism that the Barisan Nasional–Pakatan Harapan unity government in Pahang had become secular in nature and was neglecting Malay-Muslim interests.
In a statement, Ti rejected the implication that DAP had outperformed MCA in representing community concerns. He said DAP secured close to 90 per cent of the Chinese vote by promoting promises such as 999-year land leases and permanent land grants for new villages, pledges he described as neither demanded by the community nor ultimately delivered.
According to Ti, these commitments were symbolic gestures that failed to result in tangible outcomes.
“DAP has yet to convert its electoral dominance into meaningful policy outcomes for the community it once championed,” he said.
Ti contrasted DAP’s record with MCA’s past approach to local issues, particularly infrastructure problems.
“On infrastructure issues, including potholes and damaged roads, MCA had historically taken a hands-on role by directly carrying out repairs, addressing leakages, and reducing wastage,” he said.
“These efforts predated DAP’s rise under the slogan ‘Asalkan Bukan UMNO’ (‘As long as it’s not UMNO’), a period which eventually saw MCA lose a significant share of Chinese voter support,” Ti added.
He also dismissed any suggestion that DAP leaders had brought superior administrative or communication skills to government, arguing that such claims overlooked MCA’s longstanding capabilities.
He said MCA leaders had long demonstrated greater fluency and substance in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, enabling clearer and more effective communication with state leadership on issues affecting non-Malay communities.
Ti further argued that DAP’s attempt to reposition itself as a party representing all Malaysians had weakened its ability to advocate for specific groups.
“DAP’s current positioning as a party representing all Malaysians has diluted its effectiveness as a voice for specific community concerns, including those of Chinese and Indian Malaysians,” he said.
He concluded that Wan Rosdy’s remarks had unintentionally underscored DAP’s limitations.
“The MB’s remarks inadvertently highlighted DAP’s shortcomings as a representative body. On the question of advocacy, delivery, and effective representation, DAP has been unable to compete,” Ti said. - January 9, 2025