There is mutual distrust between the Chinese community and the government, conceded MCA president Liow Tiong Lai.

In view of this, he called on the government to break the deadlock, and extend an olive branch by implementing policies in line with the wishes of the community.

Speaking to Sin Chew Daily, Liow said Umno was disappointed that the Chinese backed the opposition in the 2008 and 2013 general elections.

On the same note, the MCA president said the Chinese community should support the BN government in order for it to maintain a moderate approach with the support of various races.

"I must emphasise that the strength of the Chinese is precious, they can change the future of the nation," he added.

Liow, who is also transport minister, pledged that as long as MCA exists, the party would ensure that Umno adopts a moderate and democratic approach.

"I am a Chinese... I understand there are unhappy voices. So, I often voice out in the cabinet that BN should deal with the sentiments of the community instead of handing out funds and goodies during the general election, thinking they can get the support of the Chinese in return," he added.

No Malay backlash

Liow said the Chinese want their contribution to be recognised and to be in the mainstream of national development.

He said the government must also deal with Chinese education issues, including the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

Meanwhile, Liow does not believe there would be a backlash from Malay voters or in other words a Malay tsunami in the next polls.

He pointed out that none of the polls conducted showed that rural Malays want to topple the existing government.

The MCA president claimed that the so-called Malay tsunami was concocted to convince the Chinese to continue voting against BN.

DAP's racial antagonism

He warned that Umno would move to the extreme for its political survival such as listening to the conservative voices in the party and cooperating with PAS.

"This is not an exaggeration. The Act 355 is an example. Umno unanimously supported the Act, but after mediation between BN parties, we were able to reach a consensus," he said.

Liow also fired a salvo at MCA's traditional rival, accusing the latter of adopting a racial approach.

"DAP uses racial antagonism to achieve its political goals I will expose them one by one, so the people can see for themselves," he added.

He also urged DAP to apologise to the Chinese community for urging them to cast their ballots for PAS when the two parties were allies.