UMNO Vice-President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has affirmed that MCA remains a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN), insisting that relations between the two long-standing partners are intact and cordial.
Johari, who also serves as Minister of Plantation and Commodities, said each political party has its own internal considerations, and any decision on its direction must arise from its own organisational deliberations.
“As of today, I see that MCA is still with BN. We must accept the reality that it is difficult for any country to have a political party that holds absolute power. Therefore, what we must do is adapt,” he told reporters after officiating the 100th Anniversary of Rubber Research celebrations.
“However, the relationship between BN and MCA is very close — more than 50 years,” he added.
His remarks come after MCA stated it would reassess its strategic position within BN should UMNO enter into a formal, exclusive partnership with DAP for the 16th General Election (PRU16).
Johari’s comments underscore UMNO’s intention to maintain coalition stability ahead of the next national polls, even as intra-coalition tensions surface over potential electoral alliances. - December 8, 2025
