PETALING JAYA: MCA will not interfere in the internal affairs of Umno, its longtime partner in Barisan Nasional, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The MCA president said MCA had been a loyal partner of Umno and MIC within Barisan, a coalition founded by the three parties before Independence, with their friendships lasting to date despite changes in the political landscape over the years.

       He also recalled how Umno had helped MCA on various momentous occasions, such as when Umno assisted MCA candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng in wresting the Tanjung Piai seat from Pakatan Harapan in the November 2019 by-election.

       Dr Wee also dedicated his special thanks to a stalwart Wanita Umno figure named Kak Sham, who helped to garner votes for Barisan during the Tanjung Piai by-election, saying that MCA will never forget those who served them.

       “Yes, MCA is a loyal partner of Umno and MIC. Happy times we are together and hard times we stay together because we adhere to the spirit of Barisan and practice the concept of deliberation and mutual respect for each other.

       “We are friends based on universal principles and values that we hold and agree on together.

       “MCA does not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of Umno. I am confident that Umno has 'political wisdom' and will be able to resolve all the problems it is facing. Pray for the best for Umno!” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post Sunday (Aug 8).

       He recalled how the MCA General Assembly on March 7 had already decided that the party will remain with Barisan, and that its position is clear-cut, adding that MCA has never intended to join any other coalition.

       In March 2020, the Barisan Supreme Council decided that MPs en bloc would join the Perikatan Nasional government, with the clear resolution of “No PKR and No DAP”, he said.

       “MCA collectively supported Barisan’s decision. As long as this Barisan resolution is unchanged, then MCA will adhere to the resolution that was approved through consensus in Barisan, as has been our practice for a long time,” he said.

       Dr Wee added that on July 29 at 5.30pm, all Barisan MPs were asked to be present in a meeting room in Parliament to discuss their joint stance and the majority of MPs present included Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Arthur Kurup and himself.

       Kurup is deputy president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah and also Pensiangan MP

       “I also support the joint decision made by the Barisan MPs because it is in line with the decision made by the Barisan Supreme Council in March 2020.

       “Barisan is our common platform. Many may be confused but what was discussed and decided by the component parties’ supreme councils will eventually be brought to the Barisan supreme council for joint consideration of all Barisan component parties! So far, that's the mechanism,” he said.

       Dr Wee also prayed that the close relationship between Barisan component parties, namely Umno, MCA, MIC and PBRS will continue for the well-being of the multiracial people in Malaysia.