MCA says no to hasty decision to leave BN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 - MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said today the party should "look at the bigger picture" and not rush into a hasty decision to leave the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, in which it was the second-largest party, despite the thinking of several Chinese community leaders to that effect.

Donald said the Chinese-based party should not think of leaving the BN for the sake of leaving or because its members were angry at one or two persons but instead look at the long-term effect of such an action.

"A country with a multi-racial society like Malaysia needs a mix in order to have a peaceful environment for everyone. So, to have all Chinese-based parties going to the opposition and only Malay-based parties in the ruling coalition would definitely create more tension for the country, which is bad for business and the economy.

"A decision such as this is nice to hear but the silent majority will think that we should reconsider. I will not encourage senior members to speak so much on this matter, knowing that if we want to make some kind of decision we have to wait until the new leadership takes over on Oct 18," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Selangor MCA Convention, here.

The MCA will hold elections next month for a president, a deputy president, four vice-presidents and 25 central committee members.

Current MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy have both announced that they would not seek re-election.

So far, Transport Minister and party vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat and senior leader and former MCA deputy president Datuk Chua Jui Meng have announced they would go for the party's top post.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and former vice-president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek have announced that they would run for the No. 2 post.

Lim said the March 8 general election, in which MCA suffered a major setback, had created greater political awareness within the party and this augured well for the MCA.

"There are more people intent on contesting in the party elections next month, the numbers are big according to what I know. There are people wanting to contest the number one post, two for the No. 2 post ... vice-presidency would be close to 10 (aspirants)."

"Central Committee more than 50 (candidates). I believe that awareness in politics by members and central delegates is very important for them to pick the right candidates," he added.

Asked on his candidacy, Lim said he would announce his decision by the end of the month, after all the states had completed their conventions.

"I am going around to two more states (Pahang and Johor) and should be able to make my decision by the end of the month.

"But what is important than contesting is to reinvent the party to ensure that it remains united to face the challenges of the future," said Lim. - Bernama