MCA mulls exit from BN with internal discussion ongoing
MCA is weighing its future in the BN coalition, with internal discussions ongoing ahead of its annual general assembly expected by October this year.
The move could mark a major shift in Malaysian political alliances, as MCA leaders and grassroots express growing dissatisfaction with UMNO's increasingly warm ties with DAP.
MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, according to a report by the Straits Times, Singapore, confirmed that the party is exploring several strategic options: remaining within BN, forming new alliances with parties such as MUDA or PSM, or potentially joining PN, which includes their former ally, Gerakan.
According to Straits Times, Wee confirmed that divisional delegate assemblies will talk about the future and direction of the party.
Nevertheless, he refused to anticipate or make a conclusion now on what the 191 MCA divisions nationwide will propose.
Sources indicate that MCA divisions in Johor and Pahang are leaning towards a breakup of BN from PH once elections are called.
But UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is seen favouring the continuation of the PH-BN alliance.
There is a growing unease in the BN coalition and it stems from what MCA views as UMNO's preference for DAP, a party with broader Chinese community support, undermining MCA's role within BN.
During the April Ayer Kuning by-election in Perak, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming and UMNO campaigners sparked controversy by chanting 'UMDAP mantap,' a phrase combining the names of the formal rivals.
Originally used derogatorily by the opposition to accuse both parties of betraying their principles by cooperating, the chant was reframed to rhyme with 'mantap,' meaning 'solid,' in an apparent attempt to normalise their alliance. The incident further strained relations between MCA and UMNO.
That discontent could revive a reunion with Gerakan, which left BN in 2018 and is now part of PN.
As Malaysia's political landscape continues to shift, MCA's next move could reshape electoral dynamics, especially in mixed-ethnicity constituencies where Chinese votes remain crucial. —June 14, 2025
Main image: Malaysia Gazette
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
37 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Umno is better in government than on the sidelines, Tok Mat tells critics
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Umno will remain in the federal government to continue championing the Malay and Bumiputera agenda, said party deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He described the decision as a strategic move, warning that exiting the government would simply allow another party to take its place. 'If we leave, another party will fill the gap within two hours. We don't want to be spectators on the sidelines. It is better to be in government, where we can drive new agendas suited to today's realities,' he said. Mohamad, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rembau, was speaking after officiating the Cheras Umno division delegates meeting here today. He cited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as one of the party's key focus areas. Although the portfolio is traditionally under the Human Resources Ministry, he said Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had taken the lead in addressing gaps, particularly affecting Malay youths. 'Many are not dropping out because they failed exams, but because they never sat for them. That's why we introduced the National TVET Policy, the National Tahfiz Policy and several other initiatives,' he said. Mohamad added that Umno was undertaking internal reforms to adapt to a shifting political landscape, following setbacks in the 2022 general election. 'The political reality now is that no party, anywhere in the world, can govern alone. That era has ended. 'We must be realistic. Although we have 192 divisions, our strategy should focus on constituencies we can win. Political idealism can be misleading and dangerous,' he said. He also expressed pride in Umno's internal unity, saying it was one of the few stable parties in the country. 'No one will support a party that's in disarray. We must maintain harmony and project ourselves as a moderate, peaceful force,' he added. — Bernama
Malaysiakini
38 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Umno will stay in govt to push Malay, bumi agenda
Umno will remain in the federal government to continue championing the Malay and bumiputera agenda, said party deputy president Mohamad Hasan. He described the decision as a strategic move, warning that exiting the government would simply allow another party to take its place.
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Umno Sabah will only partner with sincere allies - Bung Moktar
Bung Moktar KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Umno Sabah has welcomed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) readiness to contest in the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17), but stressed that any political cooperation must be grounded in sincerity, mutual respect, and shared values — not convenience or a mere hunger for power. Umno Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, responding to recent remarks by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said such statements were part of the democratic competition between parties operating in the same political space. 'In principle, this is nothing extraordinary. In fact, it reflects a healthy democracy, where ideas and policies are tested in the open,' Bung Moktar said in a statement on Sunday. However, he firmly asserted that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah would not shape their political direction based on cues from others, nor would they wait for a 'green light' to determine their next move. 'Any cooperation must be evaluated through a broader lens — political legitimacy, strategic autonomy, and, most importantly, sincerity in partnership,' he said. He emphasized that BN remains open to cooperation, but only with allies who are genuinely committed — not only in signing agreements, but in respecting their partners and delivering on shared policies. 'BN will not collaborate merely to strengthen numbers or support a fragile grip on power. Partnerships built on paper but lacking real trust and action are like houses built on mud — they might stand briefly, but they collapse under pressure,' he said. He added that the coalition had learned from past experiences, which showed that alliances without true intent only lead to weak, inconsistent, and untrustworthy governments. Commenting on the challenge posed by GRS, Bung Moktar said Umno Sabah is prepared to face it head-on through democratic means. 'If GRS is ready, we welcome the contest. Democracy thrives on competition. Let the people decide who truly deserves their trust — not through borrowed support or shortcuts, but through proven strength and sincerity,' he said. He also called on Sabahans — particularly the youth and politically conscious middle class — to re-evaluate the political choices before them. 'BN Sabah returns not with empty slogans, but with a tested record. We have governed, we have been tested, and now we return with a renewed resolve — not to repeat the past, but to do better,' he said. 'Ultimately, political legitimacy does not lie solely in seat counts. It lies in the people's belief in the sincerity of our struggle,' he concluded. Armizan has called for GRS to face off against BN in the upcoming state election. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said a direct contest would allow voters to decide who should govern Sabah, aligning with Bung Moktar's preference for BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to compete without GRS. 'Everyone must respect Bung Moktar's stance. No one should dismiss his autonomy as Sabah Umno chief,' Armizan said in a statement on Saturday.
