SHAH ALAM - MCA's strategy of recruting new members and adopting a more conservative stance, might be the key to the party's sustainability.
According to International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) associate professor of political Science Dr Syaza Shukri stated that MCA's collaboration with Democratic Action Party (DAP) within the unity government suggests that it's unlikely to directly challenge DAP.
"I do think this is a breathing space while working under the unity government for MCA to prove that it is still relevant by presenting itself as a more conservative Chinese party as opposed to DAP’s more left wing ideology, '" Syaza told Sinar Daily.
Meanwhile Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Ethnic Studies Deputy Director Institute Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib emphasizes MCA's positive reception among Chinese communities in Johor and suggests that recruiting new members is a natural way to ensure the party's sustainability.
She recommends that MCA adopt a robust yet moderate stance compared to the more left-leaning ideology of the DAP.
"MCA should come out strong with a moderate approach relative as compared to DAP which is more of a socialist party that many view as leftist.
"One thing is for sure the Chinese communities support a party that secures their businesses and promises prosperity for their well-being as citizens, Kartini told to Sinar Daily.
Hence, given the diverse nature of the Chinese population, which comprises of distinct subethnic groups with varying dialects, clans, and orientations, while most may align with the DAP, some individuals may hold alternate perspectives aligned with MCA and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan).
On the hand, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin points out that MCA's electoral performance falls short of past achievements, especially beyond Johor, despite a recent addition of 4000 new members.
This influx hasn't significantly impacted the party's prospects in upcoming state elections across six states.
"While historically strong in Johor, MCA's performance in other regions has been lackluster.
"Efforts to rejuvenate the party through new member recruitment have struggled to translate into substantial electoral gains, Shamsul said.
Despite anticipation that the membership surge would invigorate campaign strategies, the absence of noticeable changes in the party's pre-election standing raises concerns about the strategy's effectiveness.
"This disparity between membership growth and electoral impact involves multifaceted factors including voter sentiment, campaign messaging, and the broader political landscape, he added.
"As MCA grapples with these challenges, it must attract members and develop strategies for effective engagement with voters across the six states.