KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders have criticised Umno’s approach to its coalition partners following MCA’s walkout from a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate announcement event for the upcoming Melaka state election.
PKR vice-president Datuk Chang Lih Kang questioned whether cooperation between Umno and other political parties was based on mutual trust and shared principles or driven mainly by political interests and the pursuit of power.
He said MCA’s dissatisfaction raised concerns about how other parties working with BN might be treated, particularly if a longstanding coalition partner felt it had been disrespected.
Chang’s remarks followed MCA leaders’ decision to leave BN’s candidate announcement event on October 24 after raising objections over the candidate selection process and the allocation of seats previously contested by the party.
PKR Contrasts BN With Pakatan Harapan
PKR Women’s Wing deputy chief Loh Ker Chean said the dispute reflected what she described as Umno’s poor treatment of its coalition partners.
She contrasted BN’s internal tensions with Pakatan Harapan (PH), saying PKR did not adopt a “big brother” approach towards smaller parties within its coalition.
Loh also highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s consultative approach when working with coalition partners, including the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO).
She argued that cooperation based on consultation and inclusion would contribute to greater political stability.
Meanwhile, PKR Youth information chief Danish Hairudin said MCA’s protest raised questions about whether the party was receiving sufficient respect from its own coalition partner.
He also alleged that Umno’s pursuit of potential political gains through cooperation with PAS had sidelined the interests of MCA and MIC.
MCA Objects to Candidate Selection and Seat Allocation
MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has maintained that the party would not recognise nominations made without approval from its top leadership.
The dispute centres on the announcement of candidates and the allocation of constituencies previously contested by MCA, which the party says were decided without adequate consultation or agreement.
MCA leaders walked out of the event before BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivered his keynote address and announced the candidates.
Zahid subsequently said MCA’s concerns would be discussed and resolved collectively before nomination day on October 31.
The disagreement has highlighted tensions within BN as political parties prepare for the Melaka state election scheduled for November 14.
Source: Bernama | Rewritten By Minutesmy
Picture Credit : Malaymail
