Barisan Nasional should contest the upcoming Melaka and Johor state elections under its own banner, said MCA president Wee Ka Siong.
Clear stance on state polls
Speaking at MCA’s 77th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA on Saturday, Wee said the party expects the Melaka state election to take place this year, with Johor following in early 2027.
“Today, I can state clearly that MCA’s position is that Barisan Nasional should contest the Melaka and Johor state elections under its own banner, independently,” he said in his keynote address.
Wee pointed out that Barisan won both states in the previous elections.
Johor is currently governed by Barisan, while Melaka operates under a unity government model.
Push for independent mandate
“In the coming state elections, it is only reasonable and justifiable for Barisan Nasional to continue contesting under its own banner and seek a mandate from voters to govern independently,” he added.
He instructed the state liaison committees in Melaka and Johor to activate their election machinery immediately.
They must submit a proposed candidate list, campaign committee line-up, and a comprehensive campaign strategy paper to party headquarters within a month.
The strategy should cover publicity, new media, training, polling, house visits, and preparations for polling and counting agents.
Targets and broader outlook
Wee set two clear targets: MCA must win more state seats than in the previous election, and Barisan must win both state elections under its own banner.
He highlighted that Barisan-led states have shown greater political stability compared with those governed by other parties.
Such states, he said, remain more consistent in upholding moderation, inclusiveness, and diversity.
On positioning for the next general election, Wee said Barisan should rebuild and enter the polls “in its best form”.
He cautioned against shrinking back or conceding defeat prematurely.
While political alignments may shift after elections to ensure stability, he warned against signalling weakness before polling day.
Wee stressed that bargaining power after an election depends on the number of seats won, not on adopting a low posture.
This also means Barisan should avoid indicating before polls that it is willing to give up traditional seats.
He reaffirmed that MCA will contest in the next general election and urged all party leaders and members to set aside internal disputes, focusing instead on candidate selection and groundwork.
Among those present were deputy president Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Chong Sin Woon, vice-presidents Wee Jek Seng, Lim Ban Hong, Lawrence Low and Tan Teik Cheng, Wanita MCA chief Wong You Fong, MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon, and other leaders.
Party veterans and former leaders also attended, including Tan Koon Swan, Ong Ka Ting, Liow Tiong Lai, Lim Ah Lek, Wong Foon Meng, Yap Pian Hon, Fong Chan Onn, Chor Chee Heung, Hou Kok Chung, Yew Teong Look, Kee Yong Wee, Kuan Peng Soon, Hon Choon Kim and Tan Siok Choo.
