Chinese voters' support not permanent, depends on fulfilled promises: MCA VP

MCA Vice-President Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low Ah Keong asserts that the Chinese community's vote is not a given for any political party, emphasizing that sustained support hinges on delivering on promises and genuinely understanding the electorate's needs. He noted that voters are increasingly discerning, evaluating parties based on their performance, the caliber of their candidates, and the realism of their political platforms.

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I think MCA really has to work hard, has to try harder. It is undeniable that in some places, especially in the cities, Chinese support is still with DAP. That is undeniable, but to continue to get that support, for me, it is not forever. Votes from a certain race will not be our right forever.

Low, who also chairs MCA Selangor, believes the recent state election results signal a maturing electorate. He is confident that the "blue wave" momentum can extend to Selangor and the rest of the country if Barisan Nasional (BN) can present leadership that is closely connected to the people and effectively addresses economic challenges and the rising cost of living.

Addressing the question of regaining Chinese support, Low stressed that MCA must work harder. He acknowledged that in some urban areas, Chinese voters still lean towards the Democratic Action Party (DAP). However, he argued that this support is not guaranteed indefinitely. MCA's ambition extends beyond securing votes from any single ethnic group; the party seeks support from Malays, Indians, Orang Asli, and other communities, aiming to restore confidence among urban voters across all demographics.

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For MCA, we don't just want votes from the Chinese, we want votes from Malays, Indians, Orang Asli, and also other races. We truly hope that support from various ethnic groups can return to MCA and Barisan Nasional (BN), and we want to see ourselves regain the confidence and trust of urban voters from all races.

Low highlighted the importance of offering realistic and achievable promises in the party's manifesto. He cautioned against making empty pledges that cannot be fulfilled, stating that the Chinese community is now more sophisticated and understands the difference between plausible commitments and mere rhetoric. MCA's strategy involves not only hard work but also a deeper understanding of what the people, particularly the Chinese community, truly desire, moving beyond DAP's past promises that may not have been logically grounded or attainable.

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For MCA and BN, when we have a manifesto, we must have realistic promises that can be fulfilled practically. Don't make promises of the moon and stars, only to be unable to fulfill them, which are likely just empty promises.