Zahid assures seats for MCA, MIC in GE16 amid calls to quit BN

Summary

• BN chairperson says MCA and MIC will get seats in GE16, and BN will contest under its logo.

• Zahid states that the parties’ contributions should not be forgotten and that Umno must stand by its partners during difficult times.

• Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias urges MCA and MIC to accept the political reality of DAP's strength.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that MCA and MIC will be allocated seats to contest in the 16th general election, in an attempt to calm the two component parties amid calls to quit the coalition.

The deputy prime minister also reiterated that BN would continue contesting under its logo in the next national polls.

"I have stated that in GE16, we will continue to use the ‘scales’ as the BN symbol.

"The BN component parties will continue to be given seats to contest. Although the election is still some time away, this is the decision we have made," Sinar Harian quoted Zahid (above) after officiating the Port Dickson Umno Division delegates meeting last night.

Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias and Port Dickson Umno division chief Faizal Ramli were also present.

The Umno president said the contributions and sacrifices of MCA and MIC must not be forgotten, as these parties were instrumental in sustaining BN during Umno’s split in 1987.

Given their challenges, Zahid said it would be inappropriate for BN to abandon them.

"During GE14 and GE15, they faced difficulties in retaining their seats. So, Umno must stand by our partners in times of difficulty, and this is the BN spirit we must strengthen," he added.

Zahid also expressed confidence that all component parties would continue to work together to reinforce the coalition.

Alor Setar MCA wants party to exit govt

Last Thursday, Alor Setar MCA passed a resolution at its delegates' meeting urging the party’s central leadership to withdraw from BN and the Madani government.

One resolution called on the central leadership to rebuild an independent and autonomous political path.

Another stated: "Strongly urge the central leadership to uphold political principles and firmly cut ties with DAP, refusing any form of cooperation."

According to a Chinese language media, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon officiated the divisional delegates’ meeting.

However, the MCA central leadership has yet to respond to the resolutions passed by the Alor Setar division.

‘My apologies to MCA and MIC...’

In a separate report by Sinar Harian, Jalaluddin urged MCA and MIC to accept the political reality that DAP is strong in its own right.

"We have never helped DAP win. In Negeri Sembilan, 13 out of the 36 state assembly seats will certainly be won by non-BN parties, of which 11 are contested by DAP.

"My apologies to MCA and MIC... but given our current political landscape, we must accept this reality and rise again with renewed determination to strengthen support and trust among the non-Malay community," Jalaluddin said.

He added that Umno members need not fear the party’s relationship with DAP, as Umno has its own strength and should not feel uneasy about continuing to champion its cause.

"Why should Umno be afraid of DAP? Is Umno so small?

"Which Umno warrior is afraid of other parties? Other parties have no reason to be upset when we speak about Umno. When we talk about our struggle, our strength - why should we fear DAP so much?"

He also opined that it is not yet time for Umno to contest on its own in GE16, as the party still needs partners to secure victory.

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