KUALA LUMPUR – DAP has fired back at MCA after being accused of neglecting New Villages when it held federal power, questioning whether the latter has made any meaningful contribution to the community.
This comes after MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker alleged that DAP had wilfully neglected the welfare of the mainly Chinese-inhabited villages, despite enjoying an overwhelming support from the residents.
DAP assistant political education director Ong Kian Ming said Ti should look at himself in the mirror and question his party’s “major” achievements when in power in the last 60 years, before DAP took over in May 2018.
Ong told The Vibes that DAP has a good track record in overseeing the New Villages and appointing suitable officials there – particularly in Penang and Selangor, where the party has been ruling with allies since 2008.
“We may not have had experience at first, but we were able to quickly identify good and qualified candidates to take over these positions all across the country.
“Our record over time speaks for itself.”
Ong pointed to Sekinchan, saying that the New Village in the town flourished as a tourist destination after Pakatan Harapan ruled Selangor.
“Can MCA name a similar achievement in any of the states in which it has been state government over a long period of time?”
He challenged Ti, who is from Pahang, to show a similar track record from any New Village in his home state – which has always been under Barisan Nasional rule – or where he was previously an elected rep.
“What has MCA done for the New Villages in Pahang at the state and federal government levels?”
Ti said in a statement yesterday that MCA has pushed for increased funding for New Villages to improve their amenities and infrastructure, with a total allocation of RM326.55 million from 2000 to 2005.
He claimed that DAP lacks the outreach, expertise, and experience to replace the village headman role as it does not have a grassroots organisation like MCA.
The Bangi MP said Ti’s statement reeks of desperation and is designed to be provocative – indicating that MCA has lost its moral compass, and no longer has political capital or fresh ideas other than to attack DAP.
He also questioned whether MCA has issued any statement or proposed any plan to revive New Villages during its stint under the Perikatan Nasional government from March last year to earlier this month.
“I believe that the public, including the Chinese community, is very much aware that MCA is bankrupt of ideas and must depend on other parties in its coalition to win seats in the next election. Ti and MCA have no legs to stand on.”
On whether DAP is confident of retaining the strong support from the villagers, Ong answered in the affirmative for states that the party still governs, adding that the party delivers on promises of long-term benefits and development.
“We will continue to bring fresh ideas on furthering this development as a way to showcase how the same can be repeated in other states where we are not yet the government.
“These ideas will also be put on the table when we become part of the government after the 15th general election.” – The Vibes, August 26, 2021
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