MCA’s stronger showing offers chance to rebuild Chinese support
PETALING JAYA: MCA’s improved showing in the polls has given the party an opportunity to reconnect with Chinese voters, but it must build on the momentum if it hopes to regain lasting support, says a political observer.
Former political secretary Ivanpal Singh Grewal said MCA’s stronger performance suggested Chinese voters were becoming more willing to judge parties based on performance and local circumstances rather than longstanding political loyalties.
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“MCA’s improved standing is significant because it suggests that Chinese voters are no longer moving in lockstep with DAP.
“There may be a growing willingness to assess parties and candidates according to performance, local circumstances and the alternatives available.” However, he cautioned MCA against reading too much into the result.
“MCA should not overread the result. A gain in one electoral contest does not by itself establish a broad or permanent realignment of Chinese support.
“It gives MCA an opening but the party must now demonstrate a clear political identity, sustained constituency work and a credible reason for voters to return. This is an opportunity, not yet a revival.”
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the more significant development was DAP’s declining ability to rely on its traditional support base.
“I was quite surprised by MCA’s gains. I’m not sure if MCA is truly gaining momentum, but no doubt DAP is losing support. “DAP really cannot depend on its so-called base. It’s no longer guaranteed.”
She said MCA had benefited from growing antiDAP sentiment, with more voters choosing parties they believed had a realistic chance of forming the government.
“MCA is riding anti-DAP sentiment. I think it gained support vis-a-vis Bersama and Muda because voters want to vote for those they know have a chance to form a government. So MCA is that bridge as part of BN in this anti-DAP scenario.”
Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Oh Ei Sun said the result also reflected growing dissatisfaction among many of DAP’s traditional supporters.
“I think it’s a general nationwide disillusionment and disappointment of DAP’s traditional supporters. They perceive DAP as no longer championing the cause of reforms and various forms of equality. They don’t see DAP as effective and are punishing DAP, just as they did in Sabah,” he said, adding that the party was considered “lucky” for not suffering a total defeat.
