FORMER MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has criticised Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for what he described as unnecessary public grandstanding on sensitive policy matters, urging the DAP leader to focus instead on the formal processes of Cabinet governance.
In a statement, Ti said Nga must first recognise a fundamental institutional reality — that he is a sitting Cabinet minister, not an external critic or activist.
If Nga is genuinely committed to recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), Ti said the path forward is clear and already well established within the Cabinet system.
“Obtain PMX’s endorsement. Negotiate with his cabinet colleagues, table a cabinet paper, obtain cabinet approval, and carry the collective responsibility of government,” he said.
Ti argued that repeatedly airing the issue in the public domain — particularly one as racially sensitive as UEC recognition — risks inflaming sentiments and giving the impression that Nga is pressuring his own government from the outside.
He warned that such behaviour could unintentionally frame UEC as a “Chinese-versus-Malay issue,” potentially inviting the very racial confrontation the country seeks to avoid.
Ti contrasted Nga’s approach with what he described as MCA’s traditional method of navigating sensitive issues.
“MCA often operated with far fewer MPs, yet managed to achieve “desired results diplomatically and effectively” through quiet negotiation rather than provocation,” Ti added.
He stressed that while MCA’s withdrawal of support would not have toppled past governments, today’s unity government could face instability if even a small number of DAP MPs “rock the boat”.
“If Nga is sincere, the responsible path is not theatrics. The responsible path is cabinet work.”
“Sensitive reforms are achieved through methodical, quiet negotiations, not loud proclamations.
“Public pressure wins applause, but Cabinet consensus wins policy,” Ti said.
He appealed for ministers to carry out their lobbying in the proper forums — the cabinet room, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Economic Planning Unit, state authorities, and the relevant policy desks.
“Enough of ‘jaguh kampung’ winning applause at the expense of the rakyat — also known as ‘menang sorak, kampung tergadai’,” he said. – December 11, 2025
