Political differences should not hinder fight to protect homeowners - MCA

BUKIT KATIL – Political differences should not prevent parties from working together on issues affecting the public, particularly the protection of homeowners' rights under the proposed Urban Renewal Act, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said the cooperation between MCA, Pas and Wawasan president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in opposing provisions they believed could undermine homeowners' interests demonstrated how politicians could set aside ideological differences for the greater good.

"Whether we are in the government or the opposition, it does not mean we have to fight each other. If an issue is right, we fight for it," he emphasised.

Speaking at the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional (BN-PN) Grand Finale ceramah, here, on Thursday, Wee said the proposed legislation was an example of an issue that transcended political and racial boundaries.

He said urban redevelopment could affect property owners from all communities, including Malays, Chinese and Indians, making it necessary for political leaders to take a common stand in protecting their interests.

Wee said he had personally engaged non-governmental organisations and residents' associations to understand their objections, particularly regarding consent requirements, compensation and the rights of existing homeowners.

“More than 70 residents' associations had raised concerns about the proposed legislation.

“The opposition was not against urban redevelopment itself but wanted to ensure existing property owners were adequately protected and not placed at a disadvantage,” he said.

Wee also denied signing a statutory declaration to support Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang as Prime Minister.

He said MCA remained open to engaging politicians from different backgrounds, stressing that consultation and finding common ground were essential to resolving public concerns.

"MCA is not an exclusive party. We are an agent of goodwill. Whatever problems we have, we discuss and find solutions through the spirit of consultation.

"Our manifesto is for everyone," he said.

The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.

Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place on Nov 10. The 14-day campaigning period will end today at 11.59pm.

A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.