KUALA LUMPUR: It is a major challenge for parties in the unity government to work together within a short period of time, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr .Wee Ka Siong.

For decades, political parties under the unity government have been running against each other, especially between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.

“Many are still unable to accept the reality that they are now working together in the new government.

“Some parties may even lose their hardcore supporters. This problem is faced by all the parties,” said Wee during a joint interview with the local Chinese media.

When asked whether BN and PH would work together in the coming six state elections, Wee said discussions between the two coalitions would be held after the Chinese New Year.

“The MCA has held initial discussion internally and will be focusing on them in February.

“The outcome of the discussions will be brought up in the Barisan Nasional meeting.

“The Johor state election last March was held right after the implementation of Undi18. The same group of people also voted in the general elections in November.

“But the election outcome was entirely different. In politics, eight months can make a lot of difference.

“Take the Padang Serai election for example, if you think that a collaboration between BN and PH is a sure win, the outcome could be opposite,” he said.

The Padang Serai parliamentary seat was previously held by PH but a candidate from Perikatan Nasional won the seat in the December 7 election.

Wee said MCA had been consistent in complying with the decisions made by BN.

The ties between MCA and Umno may have been affected but MCA has never betrayed BN, he said.

Wee insisted that both he and Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng had never thought of betraying BN or leaving the coalition.

Although MCA did badly in the 15th general election again, Wee is confident MCA would not disappear in the history of Malaysia.

“At this juncture, we are finding ways to be heard in Dewan Rakyat. We are tasked to let MCA’s voice be heard in Dewan Rakyat,” he said.

From being a member of the ruling coalition to an opposition party and now a supporter of the unity government, Wee said MCA is adjusting to its new role.

“There are many things which are no longer within our control. We hope to play a supportive role.

“If the government has done a good job, we offer compliments. If not, we will point out the flaws,” he said.

Wee is of the view that people should not be in a hurry to expect the unity government to deliver but to give the new government at least three months to 100 days.

MCA will be closely monitoring the key issues pertaining to this country, and will voice up whenever necessary, he concluded.