MCA should not be discouraged over vote for DAP under unity govt, says Zahid

BAYAN LEPAS - BN component parties have been reminded to strenghten their respective parties in order to gain support from both their members and non-member voters.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN and all component parties must prioritise strengthening their parties to enhance their overall appeal and effectiveness in engaging with the public and securing widespread support.

He reminded all not to be discouraged after the smart partnership within the unity government was formed.

"As part of the BN coalition,we must strengthen not only our core parties such as MCA, MIC, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) but also our allied parties within the BN alliance.

“What’s important is the cooperation with all parties in BN’s outfit, that’s the first principle. However, the new political reality in the new unity government requires us to adjust to the existence of parties from this collaboration," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the 2023 Southeast Asia Semicon Conference at the Spice Arena Convention Centre, here.

“The Bagan Datuk MP said there are 19 political parties under the unity government.

"I don’t want any party to be discouraged when working together in this smart partnership, instead each party must strengthen itself to obtain support from members and non-member voters.”

Zahid was asked on MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon’s statement reminding him to prioritise the BN component parties first instead of PH, especially DAP.

Chong in his statement on Monday had said that Zahid must hold to his principles, besides being vigilant in matters relating to the cooperation of the two coalitions.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan had previously urged the party's voters in six states to consider voting for DAP candidates in their respective areas during upcoming elections.

This, he believes, will help strengthen the position of the unity government. Ahmad said that such actions are deemed appropriate and in line with party discipline when participating in a unity government.