FORMER MCA vice‑president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has accused Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of being “ungrateful” and morally blind, following Zahid’s remarks suggesting that some MCA and MIC leaders felt sidelined and threatened to leave BN.
Ti Lian Ker, in a statement on Monday, defended the loyalty of MCA and MIC leaders, pointing out that they stood firmly by Zahid even when he faced charges of corruption, breach of trust and money laundering under the Pakatan Harapan government.
“They remained loyal even when BN was sinking and enduring political damage while defending the coalition’s name. To belittle that loyalty is to be ungrateful and morally blind,” he said.
He contended that BN needs leadership that unites, not derides, and that seeks to restore dignity rather than trade it away for personal security.
Ti Lian Ker’s comments come after Zahid was reported to have claimed that a study found MCA and MIC members did not want their parties to leave BN despite long association, but that some leaders were “merajuk” (sulking) for not being given “playthings,” a metaphor for positions or roles, though their voices did not reflect the sentiment of grassroots members.
Responding, Ti Lian Ker said Zahid’s language—implying component parties were “begging for toys”—insults not only these parties but also tarnishes the founding principles of BN, which he said were rooted in respect, equality, consensus and shared responsibility.
“When the President of UMNO belittles component partners as ‘asking for toys’, it reveals arrogance, moral decay and a collapse of leadership,” he said. “It has eroded the dignity of BN, once a symbol of unity and political stability for 60 years.”
Ti Lian Ker also claimed that Ahmad Zahid had been entrusted with restoring BN’s standing after repeated electoral losses tied to scandal and corruption allegations against UMNO and that he had forsaken that mandate for personal gain.
He noted that Zahid’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) may have saved him legally, but “it has trapped BN’s credibility and submerged its integrity.”
“Today, Zahid is free, but BN is humiliated. He is free after submitting to those who once mocked and accused him, while BN remains trapped in a crisis of dignity, awaiting redemption,” he said. “The fact is, Zahid has saved himself, not BN.” - October 13, 2025
