MCA has questioned DAP’s criticism of PAS over its position on gambling, asking why the party is raising the issue now despite having previously worked with the Islamist party under Pakatan Rakyat.
MCA Kuantan division chairman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said DAP had long been aware of PAS’ opposition to gambling during their political cooperation, but did not make it a major point of disagreement at the time.
He said DAP should explain whether its current criticism of PAS was based on principle or aimed at creating tension between MCA and UMNO.
“DAP knew perfectly well that PAS had an Islamic political agenda and opposed all gambling activities. Why was this not turned into the same political confrontation then?” Ti said in a statement.
DAP and PAS were partners in Pakatan Rakyat until the coalition collapsed in 2015, with both parties frequently differing over PAS’ Islamic agenda and policy direction.
Ti said DAP had previously defended the position that political cooperation could exist despite ideological differences, pointing to the party’s approach during the Pakatan Rakyat era of focusing on areas of common agreement.
He also cited PAS’ invitation in January 2021 for DAP to work together on reducing gambling activities, following concerns raised by DAP senator Liew Chin Tong over additional special lottery draws.
According to Ti, the episode showed that political cooperation did not require parties to agree on every issue.
“Political cooperation does not require complete ideological agreement,” he said. Ti also challenged DAP to clarify whether its long-standing “Malaysian Malaysia” position had changed, particularly on issues involving Bumiputera policies, affirmative action and language policy.
He said DAP should state clearly whether its previous positions had evolved, been abandoned or remained part of its current political agenda.
The MCA leader also pointed to DAP’s past criticism of MCA over its ties with UMNO, saying the party was now working with UMNO despite years of opposition towards the coalition.
Ti said political alliances could change, but questioned why MCA was criticised for making political calculations when DAP had also shifted its political partnerships.
“DAP has worked with PAS, then opposed PAS, and later worked with UMNO. That is politics,” he said.
“But if political pragmatism is acceptable for DAP, why should MCA be condemned whenever it makes a political calculation?”
Ti further questioned why DAP, which holds 40 parliamentary seats, was involving MCA in the debate instead of directly challenging PAS’ position in Parliament.
“If DAP believes PAS is wrong on gambling, why not debate the policy itself in Parliament? Why is MCA being dragged into this?” he asked.
He added that DAP should make its current position clear on race policies, Bumiputera rights and language issues, saying voters deserved clarity on whether its previous political positions had changed. - August 14, 2026
