RAWANG: MCA should review its collaborative ties with Barisan Nasional (BN) to reassess whether the ties are aligned with its development plan, says Selayang MCA chief Chan Wun Hoong.

He also reiterated that this is not to sever ties with BN.

Speaking at the Selayang MCA annual general assembly last Saturday, Chan said MCA must extend its political horizons whether the party is capable of engaging in constructive dialogues with other like-minded parties based on the principles stated in the constitution, secularism and diversity.

“Strategically, can MCA have pragmatic collaborations with other political camps? Can we consider collaboration at constituency level instead of a comprehensive alliance? Can we expand influence and the chances of winning without compromising on principles?’ he asked.

Chan, who is also the Selangor MCA secretary, stressed that these questions cannot wait for directives from the central leadership, nor should they be delayed until the eve of an election. Instead, deliberation must begin now, starting from the grassroots level.

“We must face the reality—does BN still represent the mainstream values of a diversified society in Malaysia? Can BN lead MCA out of its low point to retain public trust?” he asked.

While stressing that such thoughts are not meant to reject BN, Chan said it is a self-reflection on the part of MCA whether it has depended on a defunct model of collaboration causing it to remain marginalized.

“We must not remain trapped in the outdated framework of relying on ‘traditional allies,’ where we habitually wait for seat allocations, play a supporting role, and then face defeat after defeat in elections,” he asserted,

Chan reiterated that MCA’s role is to offer an option for the people based on the principle of moderation and help steer the country towards national unity.

The Selayang MCA passed a total of eight resolutions, one of which is urging the party’s central leadership to restructure its relationship with BN or other political coalitions, and reassess its future plans.

This resolution was based on the concern that after losing its leading role in the government, BN failed to adopt a clear strategy that took into consideration the survival of its component parties.

It urges MCA to actively reevaluate potential strategic collaborations with BN, Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN), or other parties.

“We should no longer be passive. Instead, we must take the initiative to plan a long-term political survival strategy and contribute towards reshaping national political landscape.”