Kuala Lumpur: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to contesting in all upcoming state and general elections, stressing that winning more seats is the party’s ultimate priority.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wee cautioned that if MCA fails to secure seats for five consecutive years, the party risks fading from public attention and losing its ability to implement its ideals. He emphasized the importance of upcoming key elections in Sabah, Melaka, and Johor, followed by the next general election, urging all members to dedicate their time, effort, and resources towards election preparations. The MCA currently holds only two parliamentary and seven state seats nationwide.

Wee earnestly urged party members to help regain seats with honour, stating that winning back dignity through efforts is what truly matters. In the 15th General Election, Wee defended the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat, while Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng retained Tanjung Piai. For state seats, MCA won Chenderiang, Machap Jaya, Kelebang, Bekok, Yong Peng, Paloh, and Pekan Nanas.

Wee also highlighted MCA’s role in the Unity Government, serving as a check-and-balance force by supporting policies beneficial to the people and opposing harmful decisions. At a press conference, he mentioned that state and divisional leaders have been asked to submit their candidate proposals early for constituencies they wish to contest to facilitate the selection process by the top leadership.

He addressed criticisms regarding attempts to sow discord between MCA and UMNO, particularly the claim that the Chinese-majority party should not contest in the Sabah state election. Wee clarified that there was no issue with Sabah MCA and UMNO, as confirmed by both the Sabah MCA chairman and Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. He dismissed political analyses suggesting discord, emphasizing that decisions on contesting and partners will be finalized later.