‘Malay tsunami will benefit PAS, not DAP’
Ti Lian Ker cautions that there is possibility that Umno forms a unity government with the Islamist party which could spell trouble for the minority non-Muslims
(Berita Daily) – In the event a Malay tsunami does happen in the 14th general election, there is a likelihood that PAS would stand to benefit most and not DAP, to which will be detrimental to the Chinese community.
“The Chinese will witness the DAP fighting with PAS. The direction of the nation will be determined by PAS which will come into power via unity government with Umno and the Chinese community will be sidelined,” said MCA central working committee member Ti Lian Ker.
“The Chinese are smart at business but politically they don’t understand it,” added Ti during an Utusan Online Facebook Live talk show entitled ‘Racial politics: What would the Chinese get?’
The MCA spokesman however was quick to point out that it was impossible for a Malay tsunami to take place in the GE14.
“The Malay wave is split between Umno, PAS and all the other Malay based opposition parties. There is no concentration,” said Ti who also acknowledged that Umno may lose some votes too.
“The outflow of votes from Umno happens. About 10% to 20% vote switch to DAP will not result in a tsunami because everyone knows only Umno protects the Malays.
“DAP is the last on the line. The second choice is PAS which is known with their political culture and machinery. PAS will benefit from Malay tsunami.
“PAS know their role to protect Malays. The outgoing votes will go to PAS. They are also contesting 160 seats which is more than Umno,” he said, adding that PAS has also reinvented itself since breaking away from Pakatan Rakyat.
“PAS was extreme. Now it is more open and moderate. They have changed from wearing robes to jackets.”
Umno-PAS unity government
Ti said the scenario without MCA and Gerakan in the ruling government could lead to PAS running the nation alongside Umno.
“The tsunami may happen because of PAS. In the case of a hung parliament, PAS will decide to form a unity government. That itself will strengthen PAS.
“If Umno doesn’t get enough seats, the unity government will follow PAS in spirit which won’t be friendly to the Chinese, Indians and other minority communities.”
He also told Utusan that the Chinese support is returning to MCA.
“The Chinese community is more aware now compared to the last election. They look at issues critically and are able to recognise fake news. As long as BN speaks based on fact and moderation, the Chinese do not want toxic politics which is laden with provocation.
“They used to curse the government and policies but now they are more rational and open. It has created more opportunities for us to convince the community.”
