Hearing the grassroots
All smiles: Dr Wee (front, sixth from left) celebrating Father's Day with MCA's Pasir Gudang division members. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: MCA's annual general meetings (AGMs) at the divisional level serve as vital platforms for grassroots members to express their views, says president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in reaffirming the internal democracy process of the party.
'I have attended many of these meetings, each with its own slogans and opinions.
'This is okay because our party practises democracy and we allow everyone to speak freely.
'To me, this is a natural process – an organic expression from the grassroots,' he said at a press conference after launching the Pasir Gudang MCA division AGM yesterday.
Dr Wee was responding to questions regarding shouts of 'No DAP' by members during the event.
'That is the voice of the Pasir Gudang MCA members.
'Divisional meetings are ongoing nationwide throughout June, and we still have about 15 more days to go.
'Let them speak – these meetings are precisely the platforms for discussion and debate.
'This is their opportunity to contribute and we should just listen to what they have to say. There is no need to over-analyse or speculate unnecessarily,' he added.
Dr Wee noted that it was normal for members to hold differing opinions, likening it to how professionals may disagree while still engaging in respectful discussions.
'It's okay to agree or disagree, just like how two doctors might have different views.
'After discussion, a consensus is often reached, and we respect that process.
'What matters most is that communication is taking place and that everyone is contributing to the party's progress,' he said.
Dr Wee emphasised that his focus and that of the party remains on advocating for the people and ensuring their voices are heard, regardless of whether MCA is in government or opposition.
'Many people forget that even when I was a backbencher, I was outspoken despite being part of Barisan Nasional.
'I have criticised policy implementations when necessary, even if the ministers or deputy ministers involved were from MCA.
'If something is not right, I will speak out,' he said.
Asked about the party's preparations for the Johor state election amid speculation of an early poll, Dr Wee said MCA is always ready.
'We must be well-prepared. We have to push harder, especially in defending our incumbent seats and backing the candidates we have identified,' he said.
The Johor state election is due in 2027.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
What's happening with ‘BMW-class' smart toilets, Ti asks Nga
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Sean Augustin, FMT Text Size: Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming owed the public an explanation. PETALING JAYA: Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker has demanded an update from housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming on the minister's initiative to turn four public toilets into smart toilets. Ti said there had not been any progress report after Nga announced in November that an additional RM4 million had been allocated for the toilets to be built in four locations in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. 'It isn't a paltry sum, which is why the ministry owes the tax-paying public an update,' he said. Ti said the public needed toilets that were clean and functioning. However he questioned the need to spend RM4 million on four toilets at a time when the people were grappling with the increasing cost of living. 'This money could be put into better use by providing low cost housing for the needy. We should not be tone deaf to the plight of the hard-core poor by replacing their needs for shelter with million dollar toilets,' he said. Last year, Nga said funds were allocated to construct two 'BMW-i' or Bersih, Menawan, Wangi (clean, attractive, and fragrant) smart toilets each in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, with such features as built-in automatic bidets, automatic floor-cleaning machines, and automatic doors for people with disabilities. Advertisement Ti said today: 'We don't need no BMW-class toilets. We need functional and easy to maintain toilets instead of high class toilets with higher end maintenance.' He said a recent outcry over a MyKiosk project by Nga's ministry had made it even more urgent for an update on the toilet scheme. In May, Selangor MCA Youth filed a complaint calling for an investigation into the project's funding and execution. In response, Nga dismissed allegations that the initiative was a white elephant. Under the plan, standardised trading spaces will be provided for rent by the B40 group and small traders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Razarudin floats police ministry proposal
Grand send-off: Razarudin with his wife Puan Sri Zainah Othman at the official retirement send-off after the handing-over ceremony at the Police Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: A formal proposal has been submitted to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to be placed under a dedicated ministry, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. The newly retired Inspector-General of Police said he proposed the move because of PDRM's size and significance with other key sectors such as defence, health and education. He said the idea is in line with international practices in countries such as China, Brazil, Vietnam, South Korea and Brunei where police forces are overseen by their own ministries. 'I see this as a crucial step to ensure PDRM remains relevant and capable, especially in adapting to the demands of globalisation and the digital era,' Razarudin said in his speech during the handing-over ceremony and official retirement send-off yesterday. Razarudin handed over the reins as the country's top cop to Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. He also called for Malaysia to host the Interpol General Assembly in 2028. 'Four officers will be directly involved with the Interpol Joint Working Group. 'As a show of trust, confidence and commitment of our officers, the leadership of the force will suggest to the government via the Home Minister that Malaysia hosts the Interpol General Assembly in 2028,' he said. Razarudin also said that enhancing training and human capital development of the police force begins at the basic policing training programme level through the police diploma programmes. 'Currently, one out of four diploma programmes, namely the Diploma in Police Management, successfully obtained accreditation under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency in May. 'The remaining accreditation for the three programmes is expected to be decided at the end of July,' he said. 'For the same purpose, instructors at the Police College are also required to possess at least a bachelor's degree to meet the necessary competency standards.'
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Daily Express
Bernama boss is named nation's top journo
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Wong holding the award. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held last night. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. Advertisement The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Melayu by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
