JUST imagine, only one out of 10 Chinese Malaysians living in the peninsula would be a supporter of MCA.
The statistics show that the future of the once self-proclaimed voice of the Chinese community is beyond bleak.
With only one parliamentary seat and two state seats to its name, this is the reality that the 69-year-old MCA faces after near-total annihilation at the 14th general election.
An analysis by party think-tank Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) showed that MCA was rebuffed by its own community.
MCA contested in 39 parliamentary seats in total – all Chinese-majority areas – but could not even win 10% or four seats.
In Cheras, where the Chinese make up 83% of voters, MCA gained 11% of the votes. In 82% Chinese Seputeh, the party received only 10% of the votes.
“In parliamentary seats where there are 80% Chinese or more, especially those in the peninsula, MCA and BN (Barisan Nasional) only received between 10% and 14% of votes,” said the report.
“Even then, we have to cut the numbers down as there are non-Chinese voters in those areas who voted BN. Minus that, the Chinese vote we received is only about 7% or less.”
Insap senior analyst Lim Wei Kean said the GE14 results have placed one of Malaysia’s founding parties at the crossroads, where it can either reform or be left as a footnote in the annals of history.
“This is the first time that MCA is in the opposition, where it has to seriously think of where the party will go next… We had never been in the opposition since independence, whether we can be effective is still an unknown,” said Lim.
“Looking at Penang and Selangor, I think we aren’t doing well as the opposition.”
Lim said whether or not the party remains relevant in the future hinges on the road it takes.
MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong, who is expected to become the president in upcoming party polls, told The Malaysian Insight earlier that the party is not ruling out the possibility of quitting BN or opening up its membership to non-Chinese Malaysians, making it a multiracial party.
But Lim said even if MCA accepts other races and leaves BN, it will only regain support if its transformation goes beyond a superficial level.
“What are MCA’s aspirations and goals? What is MCA’s ideology? It is only when we differentiate ourselves from the opponent that we can be distinguished.”
Analyst Phoon Wing Keong said MCA should return to its roots and continue to be the party that represents conservatism and business interests.
“Since its founding, MCA has always played the role of the protector of Chinese businesses, with emphasis on cooperation and the country’s development. MCA can double down in its corner and strengthen itself as a party for free trade and the economy which protects business interests,” said Phoon.
“The country’s business community, especially Chinese businesses, could use a political representative down the road.”
Phoon said he was doubtful that including non-Chinese members would help the party in its revival.
“What were MCA’s values, what did the party stand for, why could the party attract followers? This is the only way to solve MCA’s problems.”
Phoon said from as far back as 2008, the Chinese had already signalled their rejection of MCA for its perceived failure in defending the rights of minorities.
When asked what would the Chinese lose if MCA no longer existed, Phoon paused, then said: “What is there to lose? I can’t think of any loss if MCA is no longer here.”
“Politically speaking, Chinese Malaysians still need a strong opposition, definitely. But if MCA cannot fulfil that role, there are others who can do it.
“There will definitely be parties who can check Pakatan Harapan. A brand new opposition may even do better as they will not have the old baggage carried by old parties, with a new image, new brand and a clean slate.
“MCA couldn’t be a good ruling party, so it was deposed.
“If after that, the party can’t even be a good opposition, then it truly will be irrelevant.” – June 15, 2018.
Comments
Posted 5 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Leslie Chan · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Savari CJ · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Peace Maker · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Chris Ng · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Shovel Nose · Reply
Posted 5 years ago by Richard Tay · Reply
back then , Independence formation were specially led by the BE and also selected individuals as the country leaders and administrators.
Project IC were somehow became the bargaining chips to get those migratn Chinese their rightful citizenship of this about to formed country - Malaysia.
Posted 5 years ago by Jimm liew · Reply