Opinion Poll Purely Academic, Says MCA President

(Bernama) — Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat today said that the issuance of a challenge for the MCA to quit BN was laughable and uncalled for, as his opinion poll on the matter was purely academic.

The MCA president said the outcome of the opinion poll only served as a reference for the party, just like any other opinion polls conducted by independent or partisan-linked entities.

According to his blog, the opinion poll on "Whether MCA should quit BN?", conducted after the 2008 general election was mainly to assess public views on the subject matter, irrespective of race while it was necessary at that material time as the issue was hotly deliberated.

"I think any political party that strives to stay relevant should not turn a blind eye to any contemporary discourse, even if the topic is less palatable to the party.

"Observing the escalating demands for democracy worldwide, including in Malaysia, it's indeed unfortunate that a legislator or the media with specific agenda chose to spin the issue out of context," said Ong in a posting on www.ongteekeat.net today.

The poll on "Whether MCA should quit BN?" was removed earlier this week after 76 per cent of the respondents said the party should quite the coalition.

Ong said the personal and vicious challenge issued to him should only be treated with the disdain it deserved, as it was deplorable for any legislator not to understand the real meaning of opinion polls.

He also noted that the hegemonic swipe would only further alienate right-thinking Malaysians, including those who chose to stay committed to BN.

He said the MCA, having gone through the electoral setback in 2008, was at least bracing for change and the party was determined to move on with the public feedback in mind.

"We should not turn a deaf ear to the people, and certainly MCA is not apologetic for articulating the people's concerns," he added.