Think of the implications, says Chan

The Star Newspaper / 8 Mar 2008
 

PENANG: The MCA has urged Penangites to think seriously about the political and economic implications of casting their votes for the opposition.

State MCA chief Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the opposition had already declared victory in the state even before the votes have been cast.

"The PKR and DAP are so sure of capturing the Penang state government that they have already announced so," he said.

Chan was commenting on the statement by Penang PKR chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hashim that the opposition would form the next state government.

"We win, Penang wins. We want to memerintah bersama rakan-rakan (rule with our friends). Come March 9, Barisan will become the opposition," Zahrain said at a ceramah at the Han Chiang High School field on Thursday night.

Chan, the MCA deputy president, said the opposition had initially talked about only wanting to deny the Barisan a two-thirds majority but their real intention was to wrest control of Penang.

He said it was obvious that the opposition knew that Penangites prefer to keep Barisan in power.

"But by stressing on denying a two-thirds majority, they hoped that Penangites would not be alarmed. They want Penangites to unintentionally go overboard and end up voting them into power.

"This will become a reality if Penangites become too adventurous simply because they want to check the Government," he said.

Chan said the biggest losers would be the Chinese community as the Malays were strongly behind Umno candidates.

He said that even if Barisan still retained control in Penang, the political clout of the MCA and Gerakan would be greatly weakened.

"Our negotiating powers will be compromised because of the decision of Penang's Chinese voters," he said.

He appealed to the Penang Chinese community to ensure that the MCA and Gerakan candidates were voted in.

Chan said the opposition pact was clear as the PKR was contesting in 11 seats against DAP's 19 and PAS' 10.