MCA rejects alignment with PN, cites non-Muslim unease with Pas ideology

KUALA LUMPUR – MCA has signalled that it is not prepared to align with Perikatan Nasional (PN), asserting that Pas’s ideological stance remains unacceptable to a large portion of the Chinese community.

MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said that controversial remarks made by certain Pas leaders are among the primary reasons non-Muslim parties keep their distance from PN.

He described that such statements reflect a conservative stance that offends followers of other religions.

“There are parties that suggested joining PN, but we are very clear that the Chinese community has long held a negative view of Pas and, in fact, rejects the party.

"Unless Pas carries out internal reforms, becomes more moderate and is accepted by our diverse society, this factor will continue to deter non-Muslim parties from moving in the same direction as PN,” he said.

He delivered these remarks during his speech at the MCA General Assembly at Wisma MCA on Sunday.

The assembly comes amid growing unease within the party regarding Umno’s close relationship with the DAP, which many leaders view as a contradiction of MCA’s longstanding political position.

This sentiment mirrors recent movements within the coalition, where on Nov 16, MIC delegates also decided to defer a decision on whether to remain within Barisan Nasional (BN).

MIC President Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran stated that several motions, including a proposal to exit BN, were accepted and submitted to the party’s Central Working Committee.

Wee added that the rejection of Pas among non-Muslim communities has intensified since the party ended its cooperation with the DAP nearly a decade ago.

He voiced concern over Umno’s inclination to seek political collaboration outside of BN, warning that MCA would not remain silent if the coalition’s foundational principles continued to erode.

He reiterated that MCA remains firm in its stance of refusing to cooperate with the DAP.

He warned that if Umno continues to pursue engagements that weaken BN's identity, MCA will be forced to re-evaluate its position.

“The party will make the best decision in its own interest.

"Any matter concerning MCA’s policies and direction will be discussed and resolved by the Central Committee at the appropriate time,” he added.