Wee: Too soon to call a Chinese voter shift

Wee: Too soon to call a Chinese voter shift


Published: Feb 1, 2025 11:19 AM
Updated: 2:19 PM


Summary

• MCA president Wee Ka Siong believes it is premature to conclude whether Chinese voters are returning to the party, as the political landscape has changed under the unity government.

• He stresses that Chinese voters prioritise economic stability and education, urging the government to focus on real-life concerns rather than just economic data.

• Wee emphasises the need for hard work, grassroots engagement, and strategic planning, warning that political dynamics remain unpredictable ahead of the next general election.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong believed it is too early to determine whether Chinese voters are returning to the party, despite more than two years passing since the 15th general election.

He pointed out that the political landscape has changed with the formation of a coalition government, making direct comparisons with past elections difficult.

“We must not adopt a one-sided mindset. The government needs time to govern, and the political landscape has changed. This is now a unity government, unlike before,” he said in a recent media joint interview, reported China Press.

“The people also need time - change does not happen overnight. We cannot rush this process.”

Economy, education concerns

Wee stressed that Chinese voters care most about economic stability and education, and are concerned over what substantial progress the government has made in these areas.

“People don’t care about economic statistics; they care about daily survival - whether they can afford basic necessities, keep their jobs, or sustain their businesses. These factors shape their trust in the government,” he said.

He also warned against assuming voter trends too soon, because the 16th general election could bring entirely new dynamics.

“Even if voters do not support the government, it does not necessarily mean they will vote for the opposition. We also do not know what the dynamics of the GE16 will be or who will align with whom.

“By then, things could take an entirely different turn. So, it is too early to conclude that Chinese votes are returning.”

MCA’s comeback

Wee acknowledged that if MCA wants to regain ground, it must work harder than ever, particularly in engaging with the grassroots and nurturing young talent.

No politician wants to sit out an election, but if a candidate isn’t recognised by voters, winning a seat means nothing - it’ll be a short-lived victory, he cautioned.

Wee also underscored the need for strategic planning, saying, “Our focus should be on doing our job well. Since seat negotiations are a strategic matter, there is no need to publicise every detail. Politics is about strategy, and everyone has their own game plan.”

Wee reiterated that in today’s political environment, securing parliamentary and state seats remains the ultimate measure of success.

“The political landscape is constantly shifting - what happens next in the Sabah election, and who will align with whom? Even those within the system may not have the answers yet. So, the most important thing is to strengthen ourselves first,” he added.