An analyst suggests that MCA’s decision to reject cooperation with DAP in the next general election stems more from inherent weakness than ideological conviction.
Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani of ADA Southeast Asia argued that the Barisan Nasional component’s aggressive rhetoric ultimately lacks substance.
He noted that without genuine ground strength to support its claims, the party’s tough talk rings hollow in the political landscape.
Asrul explained that MCA has struggled significantly to reconstruct a credible grassroots machinery since the 14th general election.
He told FMT that the party’s statements possess more rhetorical weight than actual operational force due to its diminished mobilisation capacity.
Furthermore, he observed that DAP has shown no interest in collaborating with MCA, giving the latter little incentive to signal otherwise.
MCA Lacks Political Clout
The analyst highlighted MCA’s weak bargaining position, pointing out that the party only secured two out of the 44 parliamentary seats it contested in GE15.
He asserted that in its current state, MCA possesses no meaningful political clout or ‘bargaining chips’ to bring to any negotiating table.
This political vulnerability underlies its seemingly defiant stance against cooperating with DAP.
Over the weekend, MCA passed a resolution at its annual general meeting rejecting any future cooperation with DAP at GE16, a decision president Wee Ka Siong attributed to fundamental ideological differences.
Delegates also resolved that MCA would chart its own course’ should any BN partner, a clear reference to Umno, choose to work with DAP.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s Lau Zhe We suggested that MCA could attempt to measure its strength against DAP in the upcoming state polls in Melaka (2026) and Johor (2027).
However, he cautioned that for the long-time BN component to succeed, it would remain heavily reliant on securing Malay votes channelled through Umno.
Voters May Not Return
Lau also issued a warning that MCA’s electoral prospects might not improve significantly even if the party opts for direct contests. He described MCA as being in a ‘passive position,’ suggesting that voters may not be inclined to return to the party regardless of its efforts.
While acknowledging MCA’s efforts in voter outreach, Lau believes the party is only likely to regain Chinese support if DAP commits a severe misstep that renders it practically unelectable.
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