Written by Dr Wee Jeck Seng, Teresa Kok
Teresa Kok must refrain from preventing MCA from representing the rakyat to voice out
With 40 Parliamentary seats, DAP has the highest number of Members of Parliament in the ruling coalition. Now that DAP holds executive power, MCA urges DAP to not lose sight of its roots as political parties are reliant on the trust and mandate delivered by voters.
DAP’s 40 MPs ought to stand with the rakyat and voice out on various issues confronting the public. For example, they should lend their views on the number of new taxes that will take effect commencing January which will heave further pressure on the rakyat’s lives. These include the 8% SST which will be slapped on traditional and complementary medicine services from March 2024. Other issues which incur public concern include changes in the Dual Language Programme (DLP) whereby schools which have conducted Mathematics and Science in English are now compelled to open one class for these two subjects to be taught in the Malay language despite the pupils having studied both subjects in English. Another pressing issue which DAP is not expected to maintain elegant silence on but to speak up on is the shortage of teachers in vernacular schools. Yet DAP even dares expect MCA to remain quiet?
During BN’s era, whenever major issues emerged, MCA remained steadfast to our duty and resolved such issues within the system before or upon receiving public feedback. Presently, although MCA has only two MPs in Parliament including myself, we continue to voice up in the Dewan Rakyat for the masses irrespective of race. Why should we want to seal our lips? Does DAP feel threatened by our constructive criticism and feedback for the rakyat and nation?
Observing DAP from another angle, ie when DAP was in the opposition, they attempted to whip up race rhetoric by displaying their “love” for vernacular schools, and appearing to champion the rights and interests of ethnic minorities. Never once did MCA ask DAP to zip their lips, because regardless of any party’s political affiliation, MPs are elected representatives of the rakyat, representing the citizens’ concerns. Entering the august chambers of Parliament and conveying the voice of the masses, it defies logic as to why DAP, under the banner of democracy and upon assuming federal office, has become intolerable against constructive criticism. Is DAP opting to go against the rakyat’s mandate?
Wielding power is not a licence for arrogance or to distance one’s self from voters. As a YB, we must always remember that political power hails from the rakyat. Teresa Kok and DAP should not allow power to get to their heads just because their sitting position in Parliament changes. They need to be reminded that all elected representatives are beholden to the rakyat and must fulfil their responsibilities as expected.
If DAP is unable to deliver on the rakyat’s trust and mandate, nor stand up for the interests and welfare of citizens, nor repay the public’s support, the Rocket should then emulate MCA’s practice whereby our party consistently voices up for the rakyat and take efforts to resolve matters appropriately and amicably. -Written by Dr Wee Jeck Seng, MCA Vice President and Member of Parliament for Tanjung Piai
MCA has strayed from its political compass
I find it intriguing that Wee Ka Siong felt compelled to issue a lengthy defensive response to my assertion in Mingguan Malaysia that “MCA has lost its direction” (MCA agak sesat).
This sentiment resonates widely within our society as a perception rooted in the leadership’s pursuit of power.
The belief that MCA has lost its direction is not merely a personal opinion but a reflection of public sentiment. This sentiment finds validation in the stark reality that MCA has faced defeat in four consecutive general elections since 2008, signalling a significant erosion of support, particularly within the Chinese community.
Presently, the party relies precariously on minimal backing from Umno voters, an indication of a compromised existence.
MCA’s casual and shameless alliance with PAS, once considered an arch-enemy, to form the Perikatan Nasional government after the Sheraton Move in 2020 stands in stark contradiction to its previous criticism of DAP’s cooperation with PAS within the Pakatan Rakyat state governments.
This abrupt shift raises questions about MCA’s principles, hinting at a desperate and weakened state.
The revelation that Ka Siong and Tanjong Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng clandestinely endorsed Muhyiddin Yassin for the prime minister’s position even before the 2022 general election further exemplifies MCA’s collaboration with PAS, revealing a blatant disregard for ethical standards.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s confirmation only solidifies this clandestine alliance, which Ka Siong has not refuted.
Ka Siong’s motives behind this covert action are transparent: a blatant pursuit of a cabinet position. His betrayal of BN illustrates an overwhelming fixation on official status and authority.
Such self-serving manoeuvres only serve to affirm my assertion that MCA has strayed from its political compass.
PAS’ repeated violations of our fundamental rights and liberties, coupled with their derogatory remarks towards Malaysians – such as Hadi’s comparison of people in revealing attire to animals –highlight a concerning disregard for basic freedoms.
In the face of a Kota Bahru incident where a woman was fined for wearing shorts, Ka Siong’s deliberate silence to defend her is a clear indication of his reluctance to challenge PAS, likely to preserve their amicable ties. This instance further accentuates MCA’s loss of direction.
Given Ka Siong’s alignment with PN rather than the unity government, it would be more fitting for him to withdraw support from BN and openly embrace PN and PAS. This move would better reflect his political allegiance and priorities. - Written by Teresa Kok, Seputeh MP and DAP vice-chairperson
Written by Dr Wee Jeck Seng, MCA Vice President and Member of Parliament for Tanjung Piai
Written by Teresa Kok, Seputeh MP and DAP vice-chairperson
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