Common for opposition parties to cooperate, says Wee
Cooperation in the opposition bloc which presently includes BN component parties and PAS has been a common feature in Malaysian politics, MCA president Wee Ka Siong said today.
Speaking to reporters at MCA's annual Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Wee said the end goal would be for the opposition parties to serve as a check and balance on the government of the day...
Cooperation in the opposition bloc which presently includes BN component parties and PAS has been a common feature in Malaysian politics, MCA president Wee Ka Siong said today.
Speaking to reporters at MCA's annual Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Wee said the end goal would be for the opposition parties to serve as a check and balance on the government of the day.
"I personally think that even in the past, the opposition used to have some collaboration and cooperation.
"I don't see any difference when PAS was together with Pakatan Rakyat. DAP and even PAS worked very well," said Wee in reference to the 12th and 13th general elections when BN as then ruling coalition had gone up against the Pakatan Rakyat opposition bloc which comprised PAS, DAP and PKR.
Wee said this when asked for his comments on whether Umno's newly-forged cooperation with PAS, as seen during the Cameron Highlands by-election, would become closer for the upcoming Semenyih polls on March 2.
Umno's cooperation with PAS is widely credited with helping BN retain the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat.
"In 2008 and 2013, these parties (PAS, DAP, PKR) had some sort of understanding [...] on DAP areas, did you see PAS fielding their candidates?
"So (now) when two parties (BN and PAS) decide to send one candidate, it is the same thing. What's wrong with that?" he asked.
Wee stressed the importance of differentiating between opposition cooperation on only certain issues and an official merger.
"Those are two different things. If you fight for certain issues (together), it's for the good of the people.
"For instance, if a party said 'we want to fight corruption', I can't say we (MCA) have a different ideology and we should say otherwise," said the Ayer Hitam MP.
"It's not like if you say 'A', I must say 'B'. So when there is a collaboration between opposition parties, that is nothing new and I don't see any problem," he added.
PAS leaders had previously maintained that their cooperation with Umno was based on the principle of doing what was good for Malay-Muslims rather than for political convenience as widely claimed by their detractors.
Also present at the function at the MCA headquarters today were Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan, BN's newly elected Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor and MIC president SA Vigneswaran.
Yes wee but not with a party that treats you worst than a PIG. MCA has a rich history but now you creatures had made the once proud mca a stinking party by joining hands with racists and religious bigots who often find solace by ridiculing the Chinese. Have some dignity wee .
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