MCA will support Anwar’s unity govt, says party sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR – MCA has finally agreed to declare its support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government, in tandem with Barisan Nasional’s (BN) collective decision, said party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

Chong explained that the party’s decision is also in accordance with the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in favour of the unity government.

“MCA will steadfastly undertake our role as a check and balance to ensure the unity government upholds the core tenets of our nation, i.e. moderation and multiculturalism, while leading the rakyat to progress ahead,” he said.

His remarks came after a briefing for party leaders followed by its central leadership committee meeting at Wisma MCA today.

Chong said the briefing concerned current political developments and gauged the views of party leaders.

“It remains a top priority of MCA to review the results of the general election whilst exploring strategies to rebuild the party. Presently, our party will focus on the 2 parliamentary seats and 7 state seats that we have secured. We remain determined to improve on our shortcomings from within and to recoup voter support,” he said.

According to The Star, Chong said the matter of cabinet appointments was not raised during the briefing or the meeting.

BN, through its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had thrown in its support for Anwar after nearly a week of political impasse that saw neither Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional being able to form a government via a simple majority.

The tiebreaker eventually came down to BN. However, earlier, the coalition had decided to remain neutral and opted to be in the opposition.

This led to a royal decree by the king for BN to support a unity government last Wednesday.

Following this decree, BN had opted to support PH, which led to Anwar being sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on November 24.

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan chairman, announced on November 24 that a vote of confidence for his government would be tabled when Parliament convenes on December 19, stressing that it would be the first agenda during the sitting.

His unity government presently consists of lawmakers from the PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalitions, as well as from individual parties Warisan and PBM. –  The Vibes, November 28, 2022