SHAH ALAM - DAP vice chairman Teresa Kok has extended an invitation to the party's former rival, MCA, urging them to join the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance in campaigning for the two upcoming by-elections in Johor.
She called upon MCA to activate its machinery, leveraging its four assemblymen and two MPs in Johor to support the alliance's efforts to secure wins in Simpang Jeram and Pulai.
"A win in Simpang Jeram and Pulai is not only a win for PH-BN but a slap in the face for PN (Perikatan Nasional) that has been peddling hatred, lies, racism and disunity amongst Malaysians.
"It is also a message of support for the unity government and a kick in the teeth for any attempt by PN to topple the PN-BN government,” she said in a statement today.
Kok added MCA has taken a stand before the six state elections that MCA will only campaign for Umno/BN candidates due to the relationships between MCA and Umno in the past.
"However, the presence of MCA in the six state elections, a month ago, seemed dull, and lacklustre and showed almost zero teamwork and partnership in campaigning, as opposed to Umno and even MIC leaders sharing the stage with PH leaders to bring voters and supporters together to secure a good turnout and a hopeful victory.
"MCA must show its fighting spirit against the rise of lies, falsehood, conservatism and radicalism by the ultimate spin doctors, Perikatan Nasional.
"It is a message that a united collaboration of ideas, cultures, and principles is the foundation and future of a Malaysia we all love and deserve,” she said.
Commenting further, she added MCA’s party constitution with all 16 points focuses on national unity, promoting social justice, and economic security, to maintain, foster and promote goodwill and harmony among the citizens of various races in Malaysia to ensure the peaceful progress and growth of a strong and united nation, and this is what the unity government stands for as well.
"I wish to draw attention to the point - to work with other political organisations with similar aims and objectives registered within Malaysia to encourage the healthy development of party politics,” she said.
The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections were called following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.
In the Simpang Jeram by-election, Nazri Abdul Rahman (PH) faces Dr Mazri Yahya (PN) and independent candidate S Jeganathan.