SHAH ALAM - MCA and MIC’s cooperation with Pas is seen as a risky move, as it not only fails to restore traditional support from the Chinese and Indian communities, but could also add political burdens to the two race-based parties.
Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis said the traditional support of the Chinese and Indian communities for MCA and MIC had already eroded since the 2008 political tsunami, making it difficult for both parties to make a comeback.
Mujibu, who is also a Research Fellow at Ilham Centre said MCA and MIC were race-based parties, unlike DAP, which positioned itself as a multiracial party.
“With the ideological foundation of the parties, coupled with their cooperation with Pas, can this really win back the traditional support of the Chinese and Indian communities?
“So, I see this cooperation as potentially becoming a burden for MCA and MIC. It poses a risk for them if they choose to be part of such an alliance,” he told Sinar.
Previously, Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was reported to have invited both parties to join forces, following public expressions of disappointment by several MCA and MIC leaders who felt sidelined in the unity government.
In fact, at least three state MIC divisions which were Kedah, Penang and the Federal Territories have proposed that they exit Barisan Nasional (BN).
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan earlier claimed that he was misled by BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who promised the party a Cabinet seat in exchange for supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also hinted that there was no need to continue with the cooperation if it was no longer required.
Former MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek also weighed in, stating that the party should consider leaving BN if the coalition maintained its rule of only allowing incumbents to contest in the next general election.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), MCA won two parliamentary seats while MIC secured only one.
Mujibu said Pas’ strategy of cooperating with the two parties could indeed benefit Pas, but would further weaken MCA and MIC.
“For example, the involvement of MCA could enhance Pas’ image because the biggest obstacle for Pas is gaining influence from non-Malay Muslim component parties.
“If we look back, Pas gained significant benefits when cooperating with DAP in Pakatan Rakyat. So, this could be a strategy for the party to regain such support,” he said.
He also pointed out that Pas’ move may have been influenced by the loose coalition of 11 non-Malay opposition parties with Bersatu, which excluded Pas.
“At one point, we saw Pas was not part of that cooperation. When they were absent, perhaps this was one of Pas’ reactions to try and attract influence.
“MCA and MIC must also consider carefully, because by joining Pas as I believe it will not add to the strength of MCA-MIC,” he added.
Instead, he urged both parties to address their issues within BN and to reinvent themselves with new narratives.
“If MCA and MIC join Pas, it will only worsen their support base. Therefore, in this matter, the burden is not only on MCA and MIC but must also be addressed by Umno.
“Since the next general election is not too far away, this is one of the matters that must be resolved decisively by Umno as the backbone of BN,” he said.
Mujibu said survival for MCA and MIC depended less on alliances and more on self-reform.
“If MCA and MIC join any coalition at this time, I don’t think it will help unless both parties carry out internal reforms,” he added.