SHAH ALAM – MCA has no issue cooperating with Pas following a call by Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for Malay unity between Umno and Pas to be expedited in Melaka ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
Although there was no indication that discussions had been held with MCA as a Barisan Nasional (BN) component party on the proposal, MCA deputy publicity chief Neow Choo Seong described it as a good initial strategy in the context of Malay consensus politics ahead of future elections.
However, he stressed that the details must be carefully refined at the party leadership level.
For MCA, he said, the priority remains the seats it intends to contest and how the party can continue to serve as a voice and platform for the Chinese community.
Commenting on the shifting political landscape since the 2018 general election, Neow said it was true that alliances have evolved, and at the national level, MCA must remain open and prepared to cooperate with any party in the interest of the rakyat.
“It is not about power. For MCA, it is about how we can contribute more effectively through policymaking that benefits everyone, even if we are not directly part of the process.
“Like it or not, we must be involved. If Pas is chosen by the majority of the people and wins the most seats, we have to respect that and cannot reject it outright.
“But how we cooperate in the context of national and public interest, that is what needs to be considered. MCA is not hypocritical like DAP. I have personally spoken to Pas leaders and said MCA has no problem cooperating,” he said.
He was speaking during the programme Interviu titled ‘Kami Tak Main Sentimen Macam DAP!’ hosted by Haizir Othman and aired on Sinar Harian’s digital platform on Monday.
Neow added that Pas leaders and members must make greater efforts to understand the sensitivities of non-Muslims, particularly the Chinese community.
He acknowledged that Pas’ outreach to the Chinese community during festive celebrations was proactive and inclusive.
However, he said the Islamic party must also demonstrate openness towards non-Muslims in a positive sense.
“Pas needs to better understand the feelings of non-Muslims, especially if there are concerns arising from political sentiments previously played up by their former allies.
“Today, they must explain and convince non-Muslims that Pas is open. Mutual understanding and respect require both sides to play their part.
“If you respect the rights, feelings and sensitivities of non-Muslims, especially the Chinese community, I believe the Chinese community will also respect the sensitivities of the Malays. That is the difference between MCA and parties that may merely preach equality but do not practise it,” he said.