PM urged to appoint Chinese mayors

MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai says he has suggested to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to allow a Chinese to be appointed mayor or deputy mayor in Chinese-majority urban centres such as Ipoh and Johor Baru.

This is in consideration of the community’s feelings.

He said apart from Chinese mayors, there is a need to increase the number of Chinese civil servants so that the Chinese can feel that they are also taking part in nation building, Nanyang Siang Pau reported yesterday.

“I have told the prime minister that we should consider the feelings of the Chinese. If Barisan Nasional (BN) handles the feelings of the Chinese well, a swing in Chinese votes back to BN (in the next general election) is not impossible,” he said.

He urged the Chinese to stay united as only through unity can they show their real strength.

They should also make the most of their political strength within the government system and fight for government resources to assist the community, said Liow at the party’s 68th anniversary celebrations organised by Serdang MCA on Monday.

Liow, who is transport minister and Bentong MP, said the party is geared up for the 14th general election and has set recapturing Selangor as its goal.

“We will go all out (to win), including in the Serdang parliamentary constituency. We have full confidence as the party morale is high,” he said.

At the celebrations, Liow received membership applications from more than 100 young people.