Desire for freedom
Senior artist Chew Kiat Lim’s retrospective show in Penang explores creativity in a number of directions – paintings, portraiture, photorealism, batik, mixed media, installations and more.
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan and MCA want to reverse the mentality of “one point gained for MCA is one point lost for Gerakan, or vice versa” to make it “a vote for one party is a vote for the other”.
Calling the former the wrong mentality, Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said: “We have to aim our bullets at others, not each other.”
He pledged Gerakan’s support for MCA in the coming general election, promising to focus on ensuring victory for Barisan Nasional.
Mah, also the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, was addressing the 3,118 delegates – about 40% of whom were Gerakan representatives – at the start of the unprecedented MCAGerakan joint show of force.
“After today’s rally, we will consider a vote for MCA as a vote for Gerakan, and vice versa, which will bring untold benefits to all Malaysians.
“I reassure MCA candidates that if any Gerakan member is found sabotaging your campaign, disciplinary action will be taken against them,” said Mah.
His pledge was later reciprocated by his MCA counterpart Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in his speech.
A video was broadcast at the rally to highlight the report cards of both parties, including safeguarding the Federal Constitution, championing Chinese education and higher edu- cation, transforming new villages, fast-tracking the application of citizenship of senior citizens, promoting the Belt and Road initiative and setting up the Hawkers and Petty Traders Foundation for Chinese entrepreneurs.
Mah, in his speech, said despite a weakened mandate, Gerakan delivered its promises to the people.
“Gerakan will seek to improve the social standing and livelihood of the Chinese together with MCA.
“We are drafting a comprehensive and elaborate action plan for the Chinese community covering aspects such as the economy, education, commerce and policy,” he said.
He combined the slogans of both parties: “With ‘ Satu Hati’ (One Heart), we can be ‘Stronger Together’.”
He added that party members could hold their heads up high when campaigning for the next general election because the two parties had never made “U-turns” but stood firm on their principles.
Later at a press conference, Mah said Gerakan has not identified a candidate for the Penang Chief Minister’s post.
The party will focus on winning the general election first, he said, adding that there are capable Gerakan candidates in the state.