Wee: There is still hope for MCA

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA's better showing in terms of increased Chinese support in the recent Kajang by-election is something to be humble about, so that it can work even harder to regain the community's confidence.
"The by-election result shows that at least there is some hope for the party ... there is room for us to improve to win back the support of the Chinese voters," said MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, 46, in an interview with theSun.
Interestingly, he noted that some Chinese clearly feel MCA should be given a chance.
In the March 23 by-election, he said, Chinese votes for Barisan Nasional (BN) increased to 25%, from 18% in the 13th general election (GE13), although the turnout was lower at 72%, compared with 88% in GE13.
He said that in the Sungai Chua areas, for instance, BN candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun obtained 1,960 Chinese votes in five district polling centres, compared with 1,644 votes garnered by BN in GE13.
Wee also spoke of the challenges MCA faced in helping to resolve Chinese community issues without representation in the Cabinet.
"It has been the missing link for the past one year as whatever issues that need to be resolved immediately can't be done as we have no voice in the government.
Now many Chinese realise this missing link," he said.
Wee, a former MCA Youth chief who successfully called for the Youth wing age limit to be reduced from 45 to 40 years, said this has caused it to sacrifice about 1,000 branches with the implementation of the new ruling this year.
"It is a very painful process as we need to elect young and capable leaders. The Youth wing must look for young blood and revive the 1,000 branches."
He also noted the painful process would make MCA Youth more youthful and vibrant.
Excerpts of the interview with Wee.
Q: Previously, MCA had Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai camps. How are they getting along now?
A: I don't see any camps in the party now. I think president Liow and I can work together and the four vice-presidents – Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun – have also come aboard to assist the president. So, I don't really see any big problems. In the past, the No. 1 and No. 2 always couldn't get along but it is different now.
What was the mechanism you used to unite the two camps?
First of all, you must be receptive. Some of them are not our supporters but we must be able to accept them. Secondly, you have to be proactive in your approach to win their hearts. It is what the president is doing now. You saw this in the Kajang by-election; the members worked together irrespective of the camp they were from.
How is the relationship between MCA and Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association)?
I'm OK. We still engage them from time to time. I think there should not be any rivalry between the two bodies as all of us have the same objective ... to promote and protect Chinese education in the country through different ways, one in government and another as an NGO.
Dong Zong is turning to the United Nations as the last resort to ensure that vernacular schools in the country are preserved. As a former deputy education minister, how do you feel? Will you discuss it with Dong Zong?
As an NGO, they can do whatever they want. We don't get involved. As a political party, we must also provide leadership in resolving community issues, particularly those related to education.
In terms of government allocation to Chinese schools, compared with five years ago, we have managed to get it increased by at least eight to 10 times. We have built and relocated many schools. That cannot be denied. For MCA, what is more important is that we must feel the pulse of the Chinese. If there is any immediate issue to be dealt with, especially with the federal government, of course MCA is duty-bound to resolve it. MCA has been associated with Chinese education for decades.
In the 2013 general election, MCA won seven parliamentary and 11 state seats. What has the seven MPs done so far?
In the previous general election we had 15 MPs but now seven, so our role have been limited as backbenchers. On Feb 23, the party's emergency general meeting passed a resolution for MCA representatives to participate in government. We are waiting for the Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate us. The Chinese community realises that without the participation of a Chinese party, particularly MCA, in the Cabinet, there is no one to speak up for them. Whether MCA is strong or weak is secondary. You must have someone from the community to raise its grievances so that the government can take immediate remedial action.
How many Cabinet posts is MCA aiming for?
That is the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. We will respect his decision.