MCA has been quick off the blocks to remind the Chinese community in Kuala Terengganu not to fall into the trap set by Pakatan Rakyat, as the battle lines are drawn for the Jan 17 by-election.
Secretary-general Wong Foon Meng, who has served two terms as MCA Terengganu’s director of operations in the 2004 and 2008 general elections, has been picked to supervise the party’s coordination with Umno which is fielding the Barisan Nasional candidate. “I appeal to the Chinese community not to be influenced by negative sentiments likely to be created by the opposition, particularly DAP and PKR. The community has, all this while, been very close to BN leaders,” Wong told Malaysiakini yesterday.
“The BN has been very caring and has looked after the welfare of the community, Chinese schools and NGOs. If the BN loses this seat, they will be unable to channel their grievances and problems to the state and federal government.”Wong, who is also the Senate deputy president, said he expects the opposition coalition to exploit national issues, since Kuala Terengganu voters do not face major problems apart from land matters and flooding due to poor drainage.
“Of course, Pakatan will create or exploit issues like recent remarks by certain leaders on education. But it is important for Chinese voters to discern that these remarks do not reflect BN policy,” Wong stressed.
He was referring to Umno leader Mukhriz Mahathir’s comments on vernacular schools, as well as the unresolved language-switch policy on the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English.Mukhriz had later clarified his stance.
“We will again explain to the community that (the remarks) are neither the MCA’s stand nor the policy of the BN government," said Wong.
“Chinese education is part of the national education system under BN and the MCA’s stand on the teaching of Maths and Science is very clear. The party supports the use of the mother-tongue for this.”
Pakatan’s ‘political expediency’
Taking a shot at Pakatan, Wong said: “All this while, it has not been formalised (as an entity) and its aim has been political expediency - that is, to win the general election only.”
“We can see very clearly now that, while they are ruling various states, their differences of opinions are getting louder even in their administration and policies.
“I’m confident the voters of Kuala Trengganu will retain the BN candidate. It would be a great loss to the Chinese community if the BN fails to retain the seat.”
The by-election was called following the death of BN’s Razali Ismail on Nov 28. The ruling coalition has named Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh (left) to contest the federal seat.
PAS is only expected to name its candidate on Jan 1.
In the March general election, Razali won the three-cornered fight by 628 votes, against PAS candidate Mohamad Sabu who garnered 31,934 votes and Independent Maimun Yusuf who obtained 685 votes.
Voters in Kuala Trengganu comprise 88 percent Malays, 10.8 percent Chinese and 0.1 percent ‘others’.
Of the four state seats in the parliamentary constituency, only Bandar remains in BN hands, represented by MCA’s Toh Chin Yaw. PAS won Wakaf Mempelam, Ladang and Batu Buruk - malaysiakini.com
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1 comments:
yes chinese voters listen to mca, vote for the umno candidate whose party people call you the chinese , PENDATANG, yes vote for the same UMNO people, WHO WAVE THE KERIS AND SAY WE WILL SOAK IT IN CHINESE BLOOD, CONTINUE LISTENING TO THE PARIAH DOGS FROM MCA.
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