My Longkang

Datuk Sri’s interview with The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: In an interview with Ng Sian Hooi of The Star, MCA president Datuk Sri Ong Ka Ting reiterated that the MCA has always represented the voice of the Chinese at all levels of the government. He said the MCA stands firm in all issues and try to resolve matters..

As the president, we expect him to say things like that. It is expected.

But he should understand the political reality that the voters of today are for example different from the voters of the Lee San Choon era. People expect more.

The MCA is part of the Barisan Nasional. It is good to be part of the coalition. It is good to know that the MCA has always represented the voice of the Chinese at all levels. But will the MCA be able to walk this line without tripping over?

Chinese are pragmatic people. Most Chinese have a ‘report book’ culture. Every child knows that and the moment the child shows a report book to his parent is a big event in every Chinese child’s life. Have a good report card ready when the elections is announced.

SUPP runs on an almost similar platform. Historically, it has never lost so many seats. The opposition parties are normally given a token seat or two to represent the opposition.

This time, the people have spoken. It is not because the Sarawak DAP have reorganized themselves etc. etc. or some high level politician like Anwar Ibrahim has come to Sarawak to campaign. Certain politicians in Kuching are highly respected and they worked hard and still work hard to represent the electorate. They have fallen too.

‘ Whether the MCA is prepared for the election or not is not the main concern, it should be whether the MCA is at all times relevant, effective and trustworthy in the eyes of the general public and community.

The country belongs to all races. The Chinese community has contributed to nation-building and we will continue to enjoy our rights. We must always be positive about our role and position in this country. - Datuk Sri Ong Ka Ting

Yes, that reassures us very much. We hope to see the fruits of the party’s labour. We are not demanding. We just need to be reassured the party has the right interests in mind.