Quit BN? MCA would be digging its own grave, says Puad

Quit BN? MCA would be digging its own grave, says Puad

Hariz Mohd & Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: Jun 16, 2025 7:57 PM
Updated: 10:02 PM


Summary

• Amid simmering discontent within MCA, Umno leader Puad Zarkashi says the party would be digging its own grave if it leaves the coalition.

• Johor Umno Youth chief Azleen Ambros also tells MCA to be patient and work with Umno to rebuild BN.

• Umno leader Nur Jazlan Mohamed similarly reminds MCA that BN’s role in the coalition government was the result of a political impasse after GE15.

As internal pressure mounts for MCA to leave BN and the Anwar Ibrahim-led government, Umno leaders have urged the party to consider its political relevance and present-day realities.

Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi said it should not be difficult for MCA to understand the rationale behind BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan and other components of the unity government.

“It is not that difficult for MCA to see the direction BN is going in facing the 16th general election. Recent by-elections have shown how the cooperation among parties in the unity government was also translated in each poll,” he said in a statement to Malaysiakini.

He added that it has been publicly announced that BN and Harapan will also cooperate in the upcoming Sabah state election.

While MCA has every right to determine its political direction, Puad warned that leaving BN would be akin to “digging its own grave”.

He reminded the party that the present political configuration only came about because no single coalition secured enough seats to form the federal government after GE15.

“MCA should remember that this political scenario would not have happened if BN did not lose so many seats, including MCA, which could only get two in the election.

“This is why MCA has to prove the party’s capability by winning one or two seats in the upcoming Sabah state election.

“Of course, Umno wants MCA to remain in BN. But if MCA chooses to quit BN, the party is surely digging its own grave,” he stressed.


‘Be patient and rebuild BN together’

Johor Umno Youth chief Azleen Ambros also weighed in, calling on MCA to be patient and work with Umno and MIC to rebuild BN’s strength.

He acknowledged MCA’s concerns over the existing political arrangement, but said the party must also empathise with Umno’s struggles.

“I personally do not think that Umno is getting better in terms of Malay support.

“However, in the long run, I also do not think Umno wants to continue playing second fiddle in running this country.

“We should be afraid this eventually will become a new norm,” he said.

Johor Umno Youth chief Azleen Ambros

Azleen said while Umno’s return to prominence will take time, BN components should stay united.

“Can MCA practice some patience? Rather than trying to force all the results in the next election.

“Can Umno and MCA, as well as MIC, share one common aspiration to make BN dominant again and be able to lead the country?” he asked.


‘MCA should respect post-GE15 consensus’

Meanwhile, Umno supreme council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed reminded MCA that BN’s current role is rooted in efforts to resolve the post-GE15 political impasse.

He said the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s wisdom had paved the way for the federal coalition government, and any future cooperation would hinge on the existing power-sharing framework rather than individual party interests.

Umno supreme council member Nur Jazlan Mohamed

“There are still two and a half years to go to judge the performance of the government, whether it will give confidence for the people to continue to support it.

“This is made more complicated by world events. So the evaluation will be frequent and highly dependent on public opinion,” said the Johor BN deputy chief.


Discontent building within MCA

This came as several quarters within MCA called for the party to sever ties with BN and the federal government.

In April, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon urged the party to “take charge” of its own future should BN continue to delay decisions about its direction.

Building on this, Alor Setar MCA last week passed a resolution at its delegates’ meeting, pushing the party’s central leadership to withdraw from BN and the Madani government.

Among others, the resolution called for the leadership to “rebuild an independent and autonomous political path”, and to:

“Strongly urge the central leadership to uphold political principles and firmly cut ties with DAP, refusing any form of cooperation.”

In response to the growing unease, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last night assured that all component parties will be allocated seats to contest in GE16.