KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA could not predict whether it would become part of Muafakat Nasional, the political cooperation involving opposition parties, Pas and Umno.
The Barisan Nasional component party’s deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said to date there has been no guarantee or a definite position taken by the MCA on whether it will be part of Muafakat Nasional or otherwise.
“In politics, it’s tough for us to be certain what actually will transpire ... can you predict what will take place tomorrow or the following days. It is tough for us to predict.
“However, we hold to the statement made by party president (Datuk Seri Ir Wee Ka Siong) that in principle we back the opposition solidarity and cooperation as a team in spirit.”
Dr Mah was speaking after opening the 55th MCA Youth Annual General Meeting here today.
Last September, former political nemesis, Pas and Umno inked an agreement for a political cooperation which, among others, would see both parties jointly promote the Malay/ Islam narrative without denying the diversity of religions, races and cultures as the axis to political stability, racial harmony and national well-being.
The success of Muafakat Nasional is said to have been proven through MCA’s thumping win at the recently concluded Tanjung Piai by-election through its candidate, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.
On why he did not touch on Muafakat Nasional in his speech, Dr Mah said it was not the sole factor which led to the BN defeating Pakatan Harapan in the by-election as there were other factors which led to the victory.
‘I don’t understand why you say that we won on the basis of Mauafakat Nasional. I believe there are many other factors. Some say it was due to the candidate factor and others say it was due to the ineffectiveness in administering the country,” he said.
Dr Mah said the time was ripe for MCA now to further strengthen its position through the support from the people on its own without depending on others.
He said MCA was willing to cooperate with anyone so long as they respect the basic principles and guidelines set by the party.
Meanwhile, on MCA's stand on the RM30 million for The Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC), to be included in the trust fund run to be managed by the Tunku Abdul Rahman Alumni Association (TAA), Dr Mah questioned whether such a method was used in other educational institutions.
"Can you trust it ? What will happen to the board members through the implementation process. Will other provisions including schools be passed through the association?