MCA stands strong in choice to sit out KKB by-election campaign

MIC’s support assured for Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, MCA’s position under scrutiny. – File photo courtesy of PMO

SHAH ALAM – Datuk Chong Sin Woon dismissed rumours suggesting an upcoming meeting between MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Secretary-General clarified that Ka Siong hadn’t informed them of any such meeting or discussion with Anwar regarding MCA’s stance on the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

“The MCA President hasn’t notified us of any meeting or discussion with the Prime Minister concerning the party’s stance on the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

“Hence, I affirm that MCA continues to uphold our stance, decided through the political development committee,” he said.

His comments came in response to claims by PKR Central Leadership Council Member Yahya Shaari about an MPP meeting held on Sunday evening.

Yahya said that among the matters discussed was a potential meeting between the PKR President and Ka Siong regarding MCA’s decision not to participate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign on May 11.

Although Yahya expressed concerns about the impact of MIC and MCA’s decision on the Perikatan Nasional machinery’s morale, he remains optimistic about a possible negotiation solution between PH and BN.

“We’ve learned that MIC President (Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran) has assured the Prime Minister of support in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign.

“Now, we’ve been informed that the MCA President might meet with Anwar soon to discuss the campaign,” Yahya said.

“I believe this meeting will resolve the confusion between PH and MCA. Therefore, I’m confident that MCA will once again support the Perikatan Nasional machinery in the campaign later,” he added.

Earlier, Vigneswaran said that MIC wouldn’t campaign in the same by-election due to the absence of a BN candidate competing.

On March 22, BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the coalition wouldn’t contest the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat, yielding to coalition partner DAP.

Sin Woon also addressed the perception that any decision by BN component parties to ‘boycott’ the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign is undecided and needs reconsideration through the BN Supreme Council.

“I want to clarify that MCA’s decision at this time is based on a personal stance and doesn’t represent the BN coalition’s stance.

“I don’t see a need for MCA to wait for the decision of the BN Supreme Council to finalise our stance,” he added.

“So far, I haven’t been informed of any upcoming meeting of the coalition’s Supreme Council.

“Therefore, I see no need for us to explain to BN component partners,” he said.

It was reported that the MCA Political Development Committee stated that the BN coalition party wouldn’t campaign in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election if the government candidate isn’t from BN.