Pahang MCA: Chinese fed up with opposition scandals
KUANTAN: Frustrated and confused over issues concerning opposition parties, the Chinese community here is warming up to Barisan Nasional, with many seemingly having made their way back into the MCA fold.
After the “Chinese tsunami” in the 13th General Election (GE13) in 2013, where a majority of the community backed the opposition, there is a strong indication that there will be a shift in GE14.
Pahang MCA is set to introduce fresh faces to contest eight state seats, namely Mentakab, Cheka, Damak, Tanah Rata, Tras, Sem ambu , Teruntum and Bilut.
State MCA chairman and former four-term Bilut assemblyman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the Chinese community’s swing to the opposition was in the past.
“We can’t say everyone has returned to MCA or BN, but there are signs that people are tired of the issues concerning the opposition pact and its capability.
“People are asking how a 93year-old leader (referring to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) was picked to lead the opposition.
“Almost every week, there are issues concerning the opposition, from the Penang undersea tunnel project to the Ijok land deal, and most have yet to be solved. There seem to be more questions than answers.”
Hoh, who was a two-term state executive council member, said after winning one parliamentary and two state seats in GE13, MCA wanted to win two parliamentary and four state seats in GE14.
He said the party would introduce new faces who were wellliked by the community.
Hoh ruled out the possibility of contesting, but said he would let the party leadership decide.
Besides MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai Liow winning Bentong, five-term Cheka assemblyman Datuk Fong Koong Fuee and Damak assemblyman Datuk Lau Lee were the only MCA candidates to win in GE13 in Pahang.
Fong is retiring from politics and Lau is expected to make way for a newcomer.