MCA, GERAKAN IN HISTORIC PACT
Two parties formally announce collaboration to face general election
MORE than 2,500 leaders and members gather in a first-ever joint assembly, pledging to work as one to ensure a BN victory in the upcoming general election.
MCA and Gerakan have formally announced that they will work as one to face the opposition and support each other in the 14th General Election.
The two parties pledged to jointly resolve various issues concerning the wellbeing of the people, after decades of being component parties in Barisan Nasional.
The commitment of both parties was evident at the inaugural Stronger Together assembly at Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA, in Jalan Ampang here yesterday, which drew more than 2,500 party members and leaders.
Their commitment was further cemented with MCA and Gerakan presidents, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, party leaders and members reciting a joint pledge to signify their efforts to unite from now on at the end of the assembly.
Both party presidents described the assembly as historic as it was the first time MCA and Gerakan had assembled under one roof.
Liow said the assembly marked a political milestone for MCA and Gerakan, as the move to forge stronger ties was done on the initiative of both parties and not on the instructions of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“Our spirit of cooperation has always been present in BN. The core values of BN are cooperation, mutual respect, harmony, unity and consensus, and these are important.
“The MCA and Gerakan leaderships took the initiative (to work together) because we respect each other. We want to do more than is necessary.
“Today’s assembly is a historic one. It is the grandest and holds meaningful significance, as it is the first-ever joint assembly by MCA and Gerakan since BN was established in 1974.
“We are brothers and sisters, and one family that speaks as one. In the past, under the same roof, there were inevitable disputes between both parties.
“However, MCA and Gerakan have a long history of working together. We started our political struggle under BN.
“This is the most precious experience and an important foundation to us to strengthen our solidarity. I am very happy to see the presence of party members from all levels, grassroots to national leaders, here today.”
Despite not having an official merger between the two parties, Liow said there was unity between MCA and Gerakan, which would see them deepening communications between government departments, improving coordination among component parties and making good use of government mechanisms to serve the people.
“For instance, MCA and Gerakan will, in the next three years, jointly see through the construction of 10 all-new SJKCs (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina) and the relocation of another six to ensure Chinese education continues to flourish.
“The MCA and Gerakan cooperation is not confined to the central leadership alone. It is a holistic cooperation, especially at the grassroots.”
Both parties will embark on a National Vision roadshow to spread information on the nation’s achievements, BN’s manifesto, transformations and visions to the people, as it is important that they are in the know and are able to relate to it.
Mah described the cooperation sealed between Gerakan and MCA as a fresh start, and said both wanted a win-win situation, especially in the general election.
“There was a perception that we were always fighting and there was a zero-sum game mentality, where if Gerakan gained a vote, MCA lost one. Maybe there were a few (clashes) in the past.
“But, this is a new beginning. This is historic, and I am sure the leadership from top to bottom will improve after this.
“After today, we will consider a vote for MCA as a vote for Gerakan, and vice versa, which will bring untold benefits to all Malaysians. We will work together to ensure victory for MCA, Gerakan and BN.
“Gerakan will also ensure there is no sabotage by our party against MCA candidates. Disciplinary action will be taken against any Gerakan member if it happens.”
He said Gerakan had identified candidates to be fielded in the general election, to be presented to Najib next Sunday for endorsement.