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Saturday, December 21, 2013

MCA needs a shot of political viagra, says Najib

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today recommended MCA to take a dose of "political viagra" to boost the party's flaccid morale.

 "You have the members, you have the people, but it's like the flesh is there but the spirit is weak.

"We need some political viagra... We ask the health minister to provide the medication," he said to laughter from the floor at the opening of the 60th MCA annual general assembly.

Najib was emphasising the need for MCA to re-invigorate and resuscitate itself.

Despite the banter, a large part of Najib's speech was directed at advising MCA on its future survival as the party's delegates listened intently.

MCA, which won 31 parliamentary seats in 2004, saw its seats slashed to 15 in 2008 and seven in 2013.

Najib took pains in advising MCA to close ranks after the party election today, warning that it may be the party's last hurrah if it once again descends into infighting as it has after almost every party election.

"Every time there is a contest, MCA splits, and another contest, MCA splits again, therefore MCA's influence will bound to shrink as a result of these splits.

Last call for MCA

"Take this as the last call for MCA. Perhaps this is a signal from the Chinese Malaysian community. It is no longer a wake-up call, if you are not awakened by now, it's too late.

“It's the last call for MCA," he warned.

The PM said that those defeated had to be gracious while those who were victorious must be magnanimous.

The address by Najib, who is also Umno president, was unusual as it was not the norm of an Umno leader to outline political strategies for another BN component party.

Najib was quick to add that he was not interfering in MCA affairs, but stressed that MCA's strengths or weaknesses will weigh on BN and it was his interest to see the revival of the party.

The premier also urged MCA to re-examine its strategies in dealing with its community.

"We must continue to believe that that the BN power-sharing formula is still the best formula," he said.

'Umno will also mind it words'

He also told MCA not to offend other communities when making its demands, but added Umno, too, should be mindful of this.

"We can make whatever demands we want in the context and spirit of the federal constitution and I also accept this for Umno.

"Umno should not do things that hurt the feelings of the Chinese Malaysians in this country. This is not rocket science," he said.

Najib stressed upon MCA delegates that they had to work hard to re-establish MCA as the party of choice for Chinese Malaysians.

"Nothing will please me more as the BN chairperson if this comes to fruition.

"So, my final appeal to MCA, please revive MCA as a strong partner of BN," he said.

By Nigel Aw

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