'Fighting over toys': MCA, MIC presidents push back against Zahid

MCA president Wee Ka Siong and MIC president SA Vigneswaran are pushing back against their Umno counterpart Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s remarks painting their parties as upset children.

Wee and Vigneswaran said that contrary to Zahid's remarks, neither MCA nor MIC were interested in "toys" or positions as the BN chairperson had alleged.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Wee said what MCA wanted was to be treated fairly.

"MCA has never pleaded for toys, let alone thrown tantrums. What we demand is respect, fair treatment, and a return to the founding spirit and principles of the Alliance Party that gave birth to BN," he said, recapping his remarks at the Pahang MCA annual general assembly.

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon also appeared to hit back at Zahid.

"Most Umno grassroots members are unwilling to work with Pakatan Harapan.

"Only a handful of leaders who have received toys remain insistent," Chong said on Facebook.

It’s about dignity

Vigneswaran likewise denied that MIC was vying for posts, but instead said it’s a matter of dignity.

"(The division leaders) are concerned about the BN leadership’s treatment of MIC. They want the party to be treated with some dignity.

“They told the central executive committee to do what it thinks is best for MIC’s future," he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.

MCA and MIC are both exploring the possibility of exiting BN amid continued dissatisfaction over their lot in national politics ever since Umno, under Zahid, cosied up to Harapan.

Chief among their concerns is that they will only be given a handful of seats to contest in the next general election, as Harapan and BN's seat-sharing formula puts emphasis on incumbents keeping their seats.

MCA has two parliamentary seats, while MIC has one.

What meeting?

Vigneswaran also questioned Zahid's claim that he had met with MIC leaders several times last week to discuss the party's position in BN.

This is because a meeting with Zahid scheduled for last Thursday had been postponed.

“I am very surprised by his remarks. I really don’t know who the leaders he had been talking to are,” he said.

“As far as we are concerned, any discussions must be done with the top leadership," he added.

The MIC president pointed out that the last time he met Zahid in his official capacity was two years ago.

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