Chua: Ensure BN is the choice

-------->Into the future: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (sixth from left) launching his Facebook account at MCA’s 57th annual general assembly Sunday. With him are his deputy Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (fourth from left) and (from left) Wanita MCA national vice-chairman Heng Seai Kie, vice-president Datuk Chor Chee Heung, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and vice-president Gan Ping Sieu.

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA may take a different stand from Umno when highlighting certain issues concerning the rakyat, but this should not be construed as being disloyal to Barisan Nasional.

MCA had only one agenda – to make Barisan the party of choice by the people, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

“However, we are not a blind follower, we will continue to articulate the hopes, fears, expectations and frustrations of the various communities in Malaysia.

“As such, there will be occasions when MCA will take a different stand from Umno,” he said at the opening of the MCA 57th annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

Dr Chua said MCA should be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people; and the party would continue to be their voice in the Government.

The party, he added, would remain relevant and be more high profile in its effort to solve problems faced by the rakyat.

Expressing his concern over certain quarters playing up racial and religious issues of late, Dr Chua said the party strongly condemned such actions. He appealed to all politicians to reject those who thrived on racialism.

The party president was confident that the people would continue to support Barisan under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s leadership if the coalition took the middle path and embraced all races.

He was confident that the voices of extremism, regardless of any race or religion, would become a minority under the policy of inclusiveness under the 1Malaysia concept.

As for the youngsters, Dr Chua said the generation now thought differently compared to their parents’ generation.

He added that the youths did not want to be told to be grateful that their parents were accorded citizenship, or worse still, be referred to as immigrants.

Dr Chua said about four million Malaysians over the age of 21 had yet to register as voters, and they played a crucial role in deciding the next federal government.

At a press conference after the AGM, Dr Chua noted that the members attending the one-day event were in a high fighting spirit.

“Their main focus is on unity and party stability, as well as to ensure the party moves foward to face the general election,” he said.

THE STAR (Monday October 11, 2010)