KUANTAN: As a remark by Pahang Menteri Besar that “DAP is easier to work with than MCA” draws attention, Pahang Umno clarifies that the comment should not be interpreted as an assessment of contributions made by any political party.
Although the statement did not name any party, the clarification is clearly made in response to a recent comment by Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in Putrajaya.
Pahang Umno information chief Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsuddin said in a statement that the comment should be understood from the perspective of administrative experience and the need to ensure smooth functioning of the state government, rather than a denial of the contributions by any political party.
According to reports, Wan Rosdy said working with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) was easier than with the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) at times.
“Pahang Umno respects all political partners who have jointly contributed to the development of the state.
“Differences in views and experiences should be seen as part of a healthy democratic process, and not as a dismissal of any party’s efforts,” she said.
She further explained that the Menteri Besar carries significant responsibilities and must ensure that state government policies and decisions are implemented effectively for the benefit of the people of Pahang.
“In this process, experiences of working with different parties may naturally vary depending on circumstances, timing, and the issues involved.
“Pahang Umno firmly supports the Menteri Besar’s leadership of the state government, particularly in his efforts to uphold political stability, racial harmony and administrative efficiency,” she said.
In Putrajaya, Wan Rosdy said in a closing ceremony of a workshop organized for Islamic secondary schools in Pahang that members of the public are advised not to fall for opposition accusations claiming that the Barisan Nasional (BN)-Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition government in Pahang is secular and neglects the welfare of the Malay/Muslim community.
He went on to say that the presence of DAP state executive councilors in the Pahang government has made administrative matters easier compared to when MCA was part of the coalition.
“I want to say that over the past three years, sometimes it has been easier to work with them than with MCA,” he said, adding that no one should use this as an excuse for disunity among the Malay community.
MCA Secretary-General Datuk Chong Sin Woon said he was surprised and puzzled by Wan Rosdy’s remark.
He said Wan Rosdy should state clearly why it was hard to work with MCA and specify the issues, topics or leaders for MCA to understand his comment.
“The Menteri Besar should also state clearly the performance of DAP that he is happy about or whether they have apologized for their statements on poison found in Lynas factory, Chinese great wall in Kuantan-China Industrial Park?”
Chong said MCA is firm on the party’s ideology in adopting the middle path in governance and works its best in defending the people’s rights and privileges as well as seeking support from the people, especially the local Chinese community.
“We leave it to the people to decide on the performance of MCA and DAP,” he said.
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