Tee Keat calls for multiracial approach
Malaysiakini.com
May 5, 2008 

 The main Chinese-based component party in the ruling coalition government must adopt a multiracial approach to survive in the new political landscape, said one of its top leaders.
MCPX

ong tee keat interview 180805 surpriseThe call by Ong Tee Keat, a vice-president of the MCA, comes after the Barisan Nasional's worst losses in the March polls, with voters backing a more multiracial opposition alliance.

The BN government coalition lost its two-thirds majority in parliament and control of five states to the opposition, with component parties such as the MCA, Gerakan and Indian-led MIC suffering major losses.

"We need to project a multiracial outlook and multiracial approach to handle the people's concerns," Ong told state news agency Bernama.

Need to keep party relevant

Ong, who is also transport minister, said his views could "raise the eyebrows of the conservative (members) in the party in the name of preserving the orthodox ways."

But he said he was adamant in his stand.

"I am strongly convinced that this is the way out for the party if you really want to keep the party relevant."

Malaysia's ruling coalition consists of race-based component parties that have ruled the country for the last 50 years. The MCA is the second largest party in that grouping.

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