Umno S Ethno Religious Agenda Caused Mca Mic Decline Urimai

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The United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) said it was disingenuous for Umno to wash its hands of the predicament its allies MCA and MIC suffered.
This came after Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi told MCA to remain a loyal partner within BN, adding that frustrations voiced by its leadership should not lead to misplaced blame or withdrawal from the coalition.
According to Urimai pro-tem chairperson P Ramasamy, Umno’s dominance, particularly in the spheres of ethnicity and religion, eroded its coalition allies’ influence among the minorities.
“As Umno pursued a narrow ethno-religious agenda, it created a political climate where MCA and MIC struggled to maintain credibility among their respective communities,” he said in a statement today.
On April 28, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon urged the party to take charge of its future if BN continues to delay making clear decisions regarding its direction.
Chong said MCA had already given BN more than two years to recalibrate after the 15th general election, but the coalition’s ongoing indecision has left MCA members frustrated and uncertain.
MCA secretary-general Chong Sin WoonIf BN still fails to provide a clear path forward, MCA must take the initiative to determine its course, he was reported as saying by Sin Chew Daily.
Two days later, Puad said that while MCA’s concerns are understandable, they were misdirected.
“We sympathise with MCA, but they should not blame BN.
“MCA must ask itself why Chinese support for the party has declined. Why did they only win two seats in the 15th general election?” he asked.
Umno-Harapan ties unhelpful
On that note, Ramasamy said BN is now a shadow of its former self, with Umno being weakened due to internal strife and competition from other Malay-based parties.
ADSThe situation, added the former Penang deputy chief minister, compounded after BN joined forces with Pakatan Harapan to form the government after GE15.
“Working with Harapan, DAP in particular, was seen as a betrayal, especially by MCA and MIC leaders and supporters,” Ramasamy added.
The former DAP leader said it was perhaps time for MCA and MIC to acknowledge that BN, in its present form, is no longer a meaningful vehicle for the representation of their communities.
“The long-standing political and cultural subordination to Umno has left these parties without initiative or pride.
“The path forward must involve serious introspection and courage to break away from a coalition that no longer serves their interests.
“Only then can MCA and MIC hope to regain relevance and reconnect with their grassroots,” Ramasamy added. - Mkini

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