KUALA LUMPUR, 5 July 2023 (The Capital Post) – MCA has decided not to contest in the upcoming State Elections (PRN) in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan next month.
In a statement today, its Secretary-General, Datuk Chong Sin Woon, stated that during this period, MCA will instead focus on preparations for the 16th General Elections (PRU16), as well as undertake party reforms and rejuvenation.
“The decision was reached during the MCA Central Committee Meeting today after discussions, analysis, and considering the current political situation,” he said.
Chong added that MCA will play its role as a component party of the Barisan Nasional (BN) in supporting the BN component party candidates in the upcoming state elections.
“It is emphasized that MCA adheres firmly to the philosophy of our party’s establishment, which is that any decision made by the party must be in line with the principles of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees moderation, freedom, and democracy, while safeguarding the rights and interests of the people as our main agenda,” he said.
Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) announced that the state elections in all six states would be held simultaneously, with August 12 designated as the polling date, while candidate nomination day is on July 29, and early voting on August 8.
Previously, Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, assured MCA and MIC that they would be given seats to contest in the upcoming six state elections.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the seat distribution for the BN component parties would take into account suitability and a high likelihood of winning.
MCA Selangor had also confirmed its application for five seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), which were considered traditional seats for the party to contest in the state elections.
Its Chairman, Datuk Ng Chok Sin, however, stated that they have yet to receive any response regarding the number of seats that will be allocated to MCA. – The Capital Post