KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) will focus on winning elections, says president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
"I will not predict what the scenario will be, but the important thing is that we will always monitor political developments in the country.
"It will be a natural process. And we will finally see how we are looking for partners, or whether we compete first, then we use the process of democracy. It's too early to predict anything.
"But the important thing is that we have to work together. It's important to win seats," he told the media after launching the state party annual general meeting here today.
As for seat distribution in the state election, Wee said that he was informed that Sabah MCA had held discussions with Barisan Nasional component parties.
He added that preparations were already in place and the party would do its best due to the different political scenario in Sabah.
"Usually, Sabah is granted autonomy, whether it's UMNO, MCA or other parties. So, I am confident they are more knowledgeable about what is happening in Sabah."
Earlier, in his speech, Wee said instead of getting an appointed assemblyman position in the state legislature, MCA would also like to field its candidates in the election.
He also said that in Sabah, the Chinese population was about nine per cent only, which the party should leverage with other ethnic groups.
"In Sabah, we have a diverse composition: we have Muslim Bumiputera, non-Muslim Bumiputera, Chinese, Kadazan... I mean, all different groups can be found here. So, I believe that the most important thing is unity among Sabahans.
"Let us determine the formula. Although MCA is a Chinese party, we have started to bring in affiliates. In other words, Sabah, where we have about 100 (non-Chinese) people joining us, is a good thing because we need people to join since they trust our party.
"Let them join, and they are given space to participate in our party," he said.