Mid-Autumn Festival 'reunites' DAP, MCA on Mahkota campaign trail

MAHKOTA BY-ELECTION | Reflecting on the spirit of unity, peace and harmony behind the Lunar Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, MCA and DAP leaders kicked off the parties’ first joint campaign last night.

While typically held as a gathering of loved ones, the event at the Che Luan Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Kluang saw the union of former political rivals.

In attendance from BN were Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Umno supreme council member Ahmad Maslan, MCA president Wee Ka Siong, MCA vice-president Wee Jeck Seng, Johor MCA Youth chief Ling Tiang Soon and Johor state exco Lee Ting Han.

DAP’s Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi and Mengkibol assemblyperson Chew Chong Sin represented Pakatan Harapan.

Dragon and lion dance troops greeted guests at the event, which was attended by over 500 people.

First to take to the stage, Wong delivered her opening speech in Mandarin, wishing a happy Mid-Autumn Festival while canvassing votes for BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah.

“Chinese voters are very important in this by-election, where we are not in a ‘sure win’ situation,” she said.

Coincidentally, Wong’s red-patterned cheong sam matched Ka Siong’s shirt.

This prompted Ling, who went on stage after her, to jokingly question whether the two leaders had planned to wear a “couple's suit”.

He noted that both the MCA and DAP machineries are united with one goal - for BN to win the state seat.

“Our (MP) Wong and Ka Siong, I think the two of them colluded (pakat) well… you see, the two of them look like they are wearing a couple’s suit, if you think they are, give them a round of applause.

“No matter if it is the team of Wong or Ka Siong, everybody sitting in the hall tonight… with only one goal in mind, to give Johor, the team that is working together (a chance) on Sept 28,” the state MCA Youth leader told the crowd.

‘We are family’

Onn also greeted the crowd in Chinese - to cheers and applause - before continuing his speech in Malay to promote the achievements of his administration.

“Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, we are one family regardless of colour. The Johor nation knows no colour… thank you all, I love you,” the menteri besar said.

Beyond the renewed political cooperation between MCA and DAP, the Johor BN chief quipped that maybe two “single” leaders - Wong and Lee - would end up tying the knot after the polls.

“Today I saw Wong single, my friend Lee is also single, who knows maybe we will have a wedding after the by-election?” he said to loud cheers.

Out in full force

Syed Hussien, who had participated during the first night of celebrations at the venue on Monday, arrived after the leaders had delivered their speeches.

Prior to the Mahkota by-election, MCA as a part of the unity government had refused to campaign for a DAP candidate in the Kuala Kubu Bahru polls in May.

Subsequent by-elections in Sungai Bakap and Nenggiri were contested by PKR for Harapan and Umno for BN.

This time, Harapan and BN leaders showed up in full force during nominations on Saturday, in the wake of tensions sparked by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s verbal attacks against DAP’s Teresa Kok over the halal certification issue.

Before the by-election campaign began, two Pakatan Harapan leaders expressed concern that Akmal’s attacks against Kok may hurt BN’s chances of winning.

Akmal not told to stay away from Mahkota campaign: Umno leader

PN candidate caught in wave of questions on flood issue

Mahkota polls: BN candidate woos Chinese voters with Mandarin skills

Mahkota polls: Voters prefer small-scale campaign to mega rallies