MCA can learn a thing or two from former prime minister Najib Razak on how to stay politically relevant, said president Wee Ka Siong.

He said his ex-boss has adapted to the age of social media, allowing him to communicate directly with the people and become popular again.

“Put aside all the graft allegations against Najib. We can learn from him on how to utilise social media to stay in touch with the people and hopefully regain their support,” Wee told The Malaysian Insight.

He admitted to being envious of Najib’s newfound popularity, which has rattled some in the Pakatan Harapan government, adding that he is now inclined to believe that politicians should not be stereotyped.

Najib’s sarcastic comments and criticism of PH online have made him the de facto opposition leader.

Despite facing 42 criminal charges over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, he continues to go to the ground, meeting and sharing feedback with Malaysians. He recently returned from Langkawi, the home turf of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Najib’s popularity on social media – as well as in real life – has shot up, a far cry from when he led Barisan Nasional to its defeat in the 14th general election.

Defending MCA’s call for BN to be disbanded, Wee said the party has every right to do so, given it is a founding member of the coalition.

He said MCA sent a letter on the matter to the BN supreme council last December.

At the party’s annual congress earlier that month, MCA surprised many by calling for the dissolution of BN instead of leaving the pact.

BN is now in a weakened position, with many components quitting the coalition following its GE14 thrashing, said Wee.

The pact is left with just four members: Umno, MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.

Wee, who is MCA’s sole MP representing Ayer Hitam, said he met Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan on January 8 to discuss BN’s future.

The issue will be raised at the next BN supreme council meeting, he said.

“In any case, whatever it is, BN must discuss its next course of action. BN is longer what it was.”

On MCA’s future direction, he said at the moment, the party is providing checks and balances to the government. – February 8, 2019.