Kota Kinabalu: Sabah-based parties that want peninsula-based ones to be rejected in the coming elections now face a new challenge – MCA is opening 100 places for starters to mostly indigenous members following a resolution a year ago to open its doors to other ethnics. Representative for the hundred members, lawyer Trevor Maringking, a
Dusun, said they are from Penampang, Tuaran and Semporna and would seek more members statewide to set up a central branch.
“We believe the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional government which are national parties is the way forward in establishing unity in Malaysia. For now we will work with MCA Sabah youth and women’s wings to change the people’s perception and show that MCA is truly a multicultural party, our autonomy makes us similar to a local party,” he said.
MCA President Datuk Seri Ir. Dr Wee Ka Siong told a MCA Sabah Convention, here, Sunday: “Even if MCA is a Chinese-based party, we have to unite with other races who are confident in our party and give them a little playroom.
“In a multicultural Sabah, the people know they need to unite so let them give us the formula.” Wee said what’s most important is that the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition wins the most seats.
“Sabah’s political scenario is unique especially after the 16th State Elections onwards when looking at the power shift. MCA will be working as one with Umno in facing the coming Sabah elections. It’s all up to Sabah BN as autonomy has been given and they know best.
I don’t want to make predictions yet but just want to monitor national politics. Politics in Sabah and Sarawak is different compared to peninsula.
“In Sabah, there are those who are at each other but at the same time partners in the Unity Government. This is the process, it will continue and it’s a natural process.
“The outcomes will either be BN finding partners or just contest and follow with the democratic process after winning the seats. But it’s too early to say. Laying down the groundwork is more important in order to win,” he said.
Wee said MCA has 40,000 members nationwide and is impressed that only a few prominent figures have jumped ship from Sabah MCA.
He said its Sabah chapter is still intact and has 25 divisions, noting that like Umno, they are a structured organisation.
