Mat Hasan: No BN meeting because MCA, MIC feared journos
There has been no BN meeting with MCA and MIC because the latter two parties were afraid that journalists would pressure them on a resolution to dissolve the coalition, said acting chairperson Mohamad Hasan.
"I have had ad-hoc meetings, meeting with MCA, and MIC (separately) because when I called them (for a BN meeting) they didn't want to...
There has been no BN meeting with MCA and MIC because the latter two parties were afraid that journalists would pressure them on a resolution to dissolve the coalition, said acting chairperson Mohamad Hasan.
"I have had ad hoc meetings, meeting with MCA, and MIC (separately) because when I called them (for a BN meeting) they didn't want to.
"Not that they didn't want to but, they tried to avoid it when I called. They didn't want journalists from their newspapers asking about the resolution (to dissolve BN) [...] they would be trapped," Mohamad said.
He said this during a dialogue hosted by Sinar Harian in Shah Alam today.
He said he wanted to call for one meeting prior to the Cameron Highlands by-election but MCA had asked for it to be postponed.
"So I don't know how (this is going to turn out). I will see how far they want to accept the resolution," he added.
MCA president Wee Ka Siong later denied Mohamad's claims.
"Currently, MCA headquarters' staff are on Chinese New Year holiday. I have instructed the staff to go back to the headquarters to get the relevant official letter.
"I will fully explain the issue to clear the air. MCA will not allow anybody to intentionally slander it," the Ayer Hitam MP told Malaysiakini, adding that he will hold a press conference on this matter tomorrow.
MCA had passed the resolution to request BN be dissolved at their party AGM last December. The MCA central committee subsequently said it would write to BN's supreme council about the resolution.
Earlier, Mohamad said it was up to each BN component party to decide whether or not the coalition's members should stick together.
He said that as it was no longer in government, MCA and MIC could no longer rely solely on Umno's help.
"We in Umno can no longer afford to carry heavy burdens as we did before. So each party must strive to strengthen themselves. If they can strengthen themselves, I think the coalition of parties in BN will also be strong," he said.
He also said that Umno's alliance with PAS did not negate the positions of MCA and MIC as the Islamist party was "adding value" to Umno.
Yes, dangerous for BN to meet. The MCA general assembly has resolved to 'dissolve' BN !
Scared of journalists? Wow!! This must be the first time in history that BN components are fearful of reporters. During Umno/BN’s reign, journos were fearful of the backlash if they asked too many uncomfortable questions. How times have changed. How the mighty have fallen.
What a stupid excuse. Really, MCA nd MIC are scared of the journalist?
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