JOHOR BARU: There is no fighting for seats in Barisan Nasional for the Johor state election as decisions were reached by consensus among all component parties, says Mike Chong Yew Chuan.

       The MCA publicity bureau deputy chief said that the media should not spark speculation that seems to paint an image of disunity among Barisan component parties by targeting MCA.

       He said following the announcement of Barisan component parties contesting in the Johor state election, there had been media outlets that published "baseless reports".

       "As ethical and professional media practitioners, it is better for the published report to have solid facts and not spark speculation merely to create sensational news to grab the readers," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 24).

       Chong reiterated that the selection of candidates was done by the Barisan top leadership and finalised with consensus, the same way it had been for a long time.

       "Any suggestions or sharing of ideas is normal in any discussion or meeting, especially involving important issues such as elections.

       "So, the question of fighting for seats according to the composition of a particular race does not exist.

       "This is because each component party is under one umbrella, the Barisan, that works hard fighting for all the people regardless of race or religion," he said.

       Quoting Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the announcement earlier, Chong said Barisan wants the best candidates from among the best for the future stability of Johor.

       "MCA will give strong and undivided support to all Barisan candidates contesting in the state election this time to ensure the coalition's victory and restore stability and prosperity to the Johoreans," he added.