Chua: New approach needed to fulfil people’s aspirations

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1 MALAYSIA: Najib (centre) together with Chua (second left) and other MCA leaders giving the 1Malaysia sign at MCA’s 58th General Assembly. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional (BN) should draw up a new, suitable approach that can fulfil the peoples’ aspirations and needs, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

He said the aspirations of today’s young generation were different from those of the older generation and before, and BN as the ruling government was responsible for drawing up a suitable approach.

Dr Chua said the new approach should be able to convince the new generation that their future would be in this country and the people be assured that their aspirations would be fulfilled.

“So, I urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to take a big step forward by offering Malaysians a new approach in fulfilling the people’s  aspirations and hopes as a whole.

“The new MCA leadership also wishes to see this new approach supporting a constructive government that is able to unite all the races in this country,” he said in his speech at the MCA’s 58th General Assembly which was opened by the prime minister, here, yesterday.

However, Dr Chua said, the new approach he meant was not an attempt to challenge or rewrite the social contract.

“I understand that this suggestion might be condemned by certain groups. But we need to draw up a formula that is more suitable with the changing times and to fulfil the aspirations of Malaysians.” Dr Chua also urged the government to provide more space for the people to give their views as their voice had become increasingly strident while they had become more active and politically aware.

“As leaders, we must always be willing to listen. Politicians must not pretend that they know everything.

“Political transformation must be one that is above the politics of condemnation and counter-condemnation, and racial politics. We must raise our standard in politics to overcome all these and move into a different dimension,” he said.

He criticised those BN leaders who were arrogant and rude, using words they should not be using when communicating with the public through the online social networks.

Describing them as loose cannons, he also expressed worry that this behaviour could become “cancerous” and cause public anger and negative perception of the BN government.

“For the sake of stability in BN, the MCA at times does not react to such offensive statements posted on the social network pages,” he said.

Dr Chua also said that MCA was prepared for the coming 13th General Election, and that the party had become more stable and united after its leadership elections last year.

“Our enemies are not from among our own (BN) component parties, but Pakatan Rakyat. Hence, we should focus on our objectives,” he said, adding that MCA would continue to play its role and be the voice of the Chinese community in government.

On the resolution of MCA not taking up any post in government if its performance in the coming general election does not improve over the 2008 election results, Dr Chua said this was solely to respect the people’s choice,  “that MCA can no longer be a voice in government if it does not receive public support”.

“This decision should not be viewed as a threat, but as respecting the people’s wish instead.

“It is hoped that this decision will create greater awareness on how important it is for party members to be united to ensure MCA’s victory in the coming general election, and that the party’e future and existence are fully in their hands,” he said. — Bernama