MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has stressed that the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election does not compromise the principles or ideologies of either party.
He said the arrangement was a strategic move aimed at avoiding multi-cornered contests that could divide votes, while increasing the chances of forming a stable and effective state government.
“This cooperation is intended to establish a stable, efficient and effective administration to ensure Negeri Sembilan’s continued progress,” he said during a press conference in Seremban.
Wee emphasised that the cooperation should not be viewed as a formal alliance, as each party would continue to maintain its own political identity while serving as checks and balances against one another.
He said MCA’s participation was to ensure the interests of the Chinese community, Malaysia’s multiracial society, vernacular education and religious freedom continued to receive representation within the government.
However, Wee stressed that MCA would not offer unconditional support to any political party.
The cooperation between BN and PN was finalised in the early hours of July 15 after discussions involving various stakeholders, including the Negeri Sembilan MCA leadership.
Under the arrangement, BN will contest 25 state seats while PN will contest the remaining 11 seats, with no overlapping contests between both parties.
Wee said BN decided to field candidates in the 25 seats based on areas where the party believed it had the strongest chances of securing victory.
He added that the cooperation would not prevent other political parties or individuals from contesting, as such participation is a right under the democratic system.
“This is what we refer to as cooperation. It is not an alliance and it will not result in the formation of a new party or coalition,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wee also addressed the issue involving MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung, who had questioned whether the party leadership endorsed BN’s cooperation with PAS for the Aug 1 election.
MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon later informed Saw through a text message that she was not required to participate in BN’s Negeri Sembilan election campaign.
Chong said the decision was made collectively by MCA and BN after considering that the matter had caused significant impact and could be used by political opponents as an issue against them.
He stressed that the decision was not a personal move or an attempt to pressure Saw, but part of the responsibility entrusted to him as party secretary-general.
