In light of MCA president Liow Tiong Lai’s assessment that a “Chinese tsunami” was unlikely in the 14th general election, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang has challenged MCA top leaders to stand for election in Chinese-majority areas. 

In the last general election, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak blamed BN’s poor performance on how a large number from the Chinese community had swung to support the opposition. He christened the phenomenon a “Chinese tsunami”.

In the latest in his string of salvos against Liow (photo), Lim said contesting in Chinese-majority areas in GE14 would prove if the former’s assessment was sound.

“If Liow is convinced that there is not going to be a ‘Chinese tsunami’ in GE14, will he and the three top MCA leaders come out of Umno ‘protectorates’ and contest in constituencies where the Chinese voters represent more than 50 percent? Since MCA claims to be a party representing the Chinese in Malaysia.

“Let such an announcement be made at the 69th MCA anniversary on Sunday, which would make the anniversary significant, as having the three top MCA leaders contesting in Umno 'protectorates', where Malay voters exceed Chinese voters, is not something MCA can be proud (of),” he said in a statement today.

The Gelang Patah MP previously lambasted MCA for failing to represent the interests of the Chinese community by virtue of how, in GE13, its present top leadership had won in constituencies that had more Malay voters than Chinese voters. 

This included Liow’s win in Bentong, deputy president Wee Ka Siong’s win in Ayer Hitam and secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan’s win in Tanjong Malim.

The previous election was also MCA’s poorest outing to date, winning just seven parliamentary seats and 11 state seats in total.

In an interview with newswire Bernama published earlier today, Liow said the party had since “learned from mistakes” and transformed itself.

“We want to clarify to the people that MCA is not merely a passenger in the BN 'ship' and does not contribute to the country.

“Instead, the party has its own strength, which contributes to BN’s success,” he was quoted as saying.

The Bentong MP and transport minister also believed that there were no reasons to cause another "Chinese tsunami” in GE14.

“I think this time there are no more big issues that can cause a Chinese tsunami in GE14, for allegations by the opposition on transparency in the government’s delivery system and corruption are being addressed in stages.

“The people have realised and they now know which government should be chosen to administer the country,” Liow said.