MCA will not be taking part in the six state elections on August 12, party secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said. 

He said this was decided at the MCA central committee meeting today.

“This decision was reached after in-depth discussion and analysis, as well as taking into account the current political situation, where the party will carry out reforms.

“During this period, MCA will focus more on preparing for the 16th general election,” Chong said in a statement. 

The six states going into the polls are Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan. The state elections have been set to be held simultaneously on August 12, with nomination day on July 29.

Chong said MCA will continue to play a role as a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN) and will help the candidates of BN parties in the polls. 

“MCA firmly adheres to the founding philosophy of our party. Any decision taken by the party must be in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees simplicity, freedom and democracy, while safeguarding the rights and interests of the people as our main agenda,” Chong added. 

Meanwhile in a separate statement, MIC secretary-general R.T. Rajasekaran said the party central working committee is also sitting out the six state elections.

He said the decision was made at its meeting on June 30 and it was to protect MIC interest in the state elections.

However, Rajasekaran said BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan had recently said the decision on the seat arrangement for the polls had been finalised.

“But this was not discussed at the BN supreme council or even at the MIC level.

“We have conveyed our decision to the prime minister as chairman of the Madani government. We will use this opportunity to prepare our infrastructure for the 16th general election,” he said. – July 5, 2023.