MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong has denied saying Umno could lose in the coming general election as alleged by DAP lawmaker Liew Chin Tong.

“I never said such a thing (as claimed by Liew ). I have asked that newspaper (China Press) to check back the recording and my answers. They will run a clarification soon,” he told Malaysiakini.

Wee explained that prior to Chinese New Year, he was interviewed by various newspapers and a slew of hypothetical questions was posed.

Among them, the MCA leader said he was asked what if Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his party Bersatu failed to win enough seats.

“And I said anything is possible. Politics is the art of possibilities. But I never (specifically) said they (Umno) will lose,” he added.

Though expressing regret, Wee said he was not surprised that his remarks were taken out of context and reworded to suit the agenda of certain quarters.

“I deny in toto the false allegation made by Liew that I conceded in any way that Umno could lose GE14.

“In order to understand my statement, I urge both China Press and Malaysiakini to reproduce my interviews in full, including all hypothetical questions the reporters posed to me.

“They asked about the possible political scenario if Bersatu does not win sufficient seats and what if DAP finishes MCA off in the GE14.

“I must reiterate that I never said that 'Umno could lose in GE14',” he added.

Earlier, Liew issued a press statement based on the MCA deputy president's interview titled “Wee Ka Siong concedes Umno could lose GE14”.

In his statement, the Kluang MP claimed that Wee admitted that Umno could be the largest opposition party post GE14.

“Even UMNO leaders like Johor and Negeri Sembilan Menteris Besar, Khaled Nordin and Mohammad Hassan, respectively, at the urging of MCA leaders, have been telling Chinese voters to vote for MCA candidates to ensure 'Chinese representation' as if BN/UMNO would never lose power.

“Therefore, Wee's recognition that Umno may be the next largest opposition party invalidates MCA’s fear tactic of 'a Malay (BN/Umno) government without Chinese', and ultimately confirms that Umno is sinkable in GE14,” he said.