THE Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has downplayed the absence of Barisan Nasional (BN) flags and the non-attendance of component party representatives, including UMNO and MIC, at its annual general meeting (AGM), describing it as neither unusual nor unprecedented.
MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong stressed that the party’s constitution does not require the presence of BN allies at the AGM.
“Perhaps in the past, BN leaders were invited as part of the programme if deemed necessary by the party, but it is not stipulated in the party constitution.
“We treat it as an internal party programme. It has happened before and it is not extraordinary. Likewise with the flag, when I attend UMNO’s annual assembly, there is no BN flag. The focus is on the execution of the assembly, not on the flags. It should not be made an issue,” he said during a press conference following the AGM today.
The AGM saw MCA pass a resolution rejecting collaboration with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in the 16th General Election, citing ideological differences between the two parties.
This comes amid speculation that component parties within BN, particularly MCA and MIC, may be dissatisfied and considering leaving the coalition.
Wee also suggested that the recent Sabah state election, held at the end of last month, contributed to the AGM being conducted in a more internally focused manner.
He noted that the meeting had originally been scheduled for December 1 but was postponed to allow participation in the Sabah election.
“Once the election concluded, we promptly organised the AGM, conducting it internally to comply with the party constitution, which requires the general assembly to be held before December 31,” he explained.
Addressing questions regarding party leadership, Wee confirmed that the AGM did not discuss a successor for the presidency, which he has held since 2018.
“Our priority now is the continuity of the party and ensuring it is stronger rather than focusing on leadership elections.
“Today, we passed 13 important resolutions covering areas including the economy, politics, small and medium enterprises, and education. The election of deputy president and other positions will occur in due course. What is crucial now is strengthening the party,” he said.
The president responded to criticisms from former MCA Vice-President Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who had called for leadership renewal by 2027 and accused Wee of focusing more on attacking DAP than on the party’s future.
Wee rejected the suggestion that he was attacking any party, stating he merely spoke on facts previously raised in Parliament.
Meanwhile, MCA Youth Chief Information Officer Neow Choo Seong said the party must consider bold strategies to realign with contemporary political realities and public aspirations.
“If MCA fails to return to its original path of struggle, we are unfit to represent the people, and the public is fully entitled to reject us. Courageous steps must be taken if some BN leaders continue to prioritise self-interest, acting like ‘bamboo in the bush, letting each shoot grow separately,’” he said.
The statements underscore MCA’s current strategy of consolidating internal governance, reaffirming policy stances, and navigating coalition dynamics within BN, while keeping a long-term focus on the party’s survival and public relevance. – December 7, 2025
