Pribumi’s wish a pipe dream
Liow: Its dream for straight fights in next polls is unlikely
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Pribumi) intention to have one-to-one fights between the candidates from the Opposition and Barisan Nasional in the next general election is unlikely to happen, says MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Liow said the pact between the Opposition parties failed because they only kept their alliances during election period, unlike the ruling coalition Barisan components which were united through thick and thin.
“Their (the Opposition’s) talk is empty talk where they cannot even reach a consensus among themselves and mutual understanding,” said Liow after opening the Johor MCA Convention here yesterday.
He added that the Opposition parties were at loggerheads over ideologies.
This made them unable to keep their promises, such as the pledge to create a welfare state; or honour their word to have co-operation between PAS and DAP.
Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Pribumi chairman, said recently that there should be one-to-one fights between the Opposition and Barisan if the former wanted to topple the latter.
Liow also pointed out that in the recent Sarawak elections, the Opposition could not even reach an agreement over seats, resulting in various multi-cornered fights there.
“There are a lot of conflicts within Pakatan Harapan itself, unlike the proven formula practised by Barisan up until now,” said Liow.
He also added that Barisan’s successful formula would be used again to face the Opposition at the next general election.
On another matter, Liow said the Chinese community gave its support to MCA after they were left frustrated by the DAP.
Therefore, it was important to ensure MCA’s presence in the Government to represent the community, he added.
In Malacca, Liow said that the Malacca International Airport in Batu Berendam might be relocated to accommodate larger aircraft.
“We have appointed a local consultant to look into aspect of accommodating bigger aircraft at the airport,” he said after opening Malacca MCA AGM here yesterday.
Liow, who is Transport Minister, said the initial plan was to extend the runway from its current 2,135m length and 45m width to attract more airlines to use the airport.
However, he said the land acquisition of the area earmarked for the runway’s extension was costly and the ministry was forced to review whether it was feasible to maintain the airport or relocate.