THE MCA president admitted today the party had failed to listen to the people and that it had lost touch during its many years in Barisan Nasional, which suffered from power imbalance as well as a leadership that was arrogant and lacking in integrity.

Wee Ka Siong said MCA’s defeat in the May 9 polls was due to the party not working hard enough to overcome its weaknesses.

“We failed to listen to the people and as a result, we lost touch with the Chinese community and the young generation. 

“For this, the voters have loudly told us we have erred through the ballot. We must accept their decision, we must listen, and we must reflect on our mistakes, ” he said, at the party’s 65th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur, today.

Wee said the party had a chance to reset and start all over again so that the members could rebuild  MCA into the party they want it to be.

“Should we be an active participant in the arena of politics? Should we be humble and listen to criticism? Should we be a young and energetic party? This is a make or break situation. 

“Our actions will determine MCA’s future.  If we are passive, MCA will be passive. If we exert ourselves to grow, MCA will be reinvigorated. 

“Each and every one of us holds the pen to write the fate of MCA. If we want a role in it, we need to to lift ourselves up and be proactive in keeping up with the times,” he said.

Wee said party delegates would be voting today on whether to remain in BN or leave.

 “At this crucial moment in an uncertain political situation, we must not make such a decision in haste. We will not be setting limits or raising a defence. I hope that no matter the outcome, we will shoulder it together.

“This is also the perfect chance for us to re-examine MCA and ask ourselves, what kind of MCA do we want.”  – December 2, 2018.