MCA: Olive branch's fine, but PAS cannot join BN
MCA will not interfere with Umno’s decision to extend an olive branch to PAS, despite MCA’s fervent opposition to PAS’ campaign to implement the hudud in Malaysia.
However, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said it is against PAS joining BN if the Islamist party insists on its hudud ambitions.
“MCA would not question and interfere in Umno’s personal matter.
"But if they (Umno) want to bring PAS into BN. It must be discussed in BN (supreme) council.
“We will definitely go against it. We will voice our thoughts and ideas. (We won’t accept PAS) unless it abandons hudud," he told reporters after attending an event in Subang.
“You also know MCA’s stance, if Umno-PAS cooperation is to push moderate Islam, this is one matter. If want to join BN it’s another matter. You could not mix it.
He was responding to a question on whether the mooted Umno-PAS cooperation will disadvantage MCA and benefit DAP.
Pressed that previously MCA had criticised DAP for allying with PAS, Liow kept mum on that.
“I will give you all an interview, today is press conference.”
No comment on Chua
Yesterday, Liow’s predecessor Chua Soi Lek warned that Umno-PAS cooperation may cast out non-Muslim BN component parties such as MCA and Gerakan.
However, Liow did not want to comment on it.
“I do not need to publicly respond and debate with him (Chua). I have many job to do...
“This is his personal opinion, I am leading the party and I decide where to go to continue to gain support from the Chinese community.”
Liow reiterated that DAP should take responsible for Umno-PAS cooperation as DAP promoted “politics of hatred”.
On another MCA ex-president Ling Liong Sik counter-suing Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Liow said this is unrelated to MCA.
“This is his personal right...This is Ling’s decision, not MCA’s decision.”
However, Liow appreciated Ling’s contribution to MCA during the latter’s tenure.
Yesterday, Ling alleged Najib was not genuine in suing him, in defending himself against the premier’s defamation suit.
The suit is regarding Ling having urged Najib to resign .
Meanwhile, Liow did not know about the rumour that Plus highway toll fees may be hiked next year.
“I don’t have the info about the toll hike.”
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