Chinese leaders lament lack of ‘high-profile’ posts for MCA, Gerakan

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese community leaders welcomed the return of MCA and Gerakan to the Cabinet but are disappointed that they were not given more significant portfolios such as the posts of international trade and industry minister and housing and local government minister.
They are also disappointed that MCA was not allocated the post of deputy education minister, which the party traditionally held, the Chinese press reported today.
They had hoped that MCA would also be given the posts of housing and local government minister, and health minister.
On the appointments of MCA deputy chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong as ministers in the Prime Minister's Department, the Chinese leaders wanted to see them given specific functions instead of being ministers without portfolios.
Hua Zong president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah noted the lack of Chinese representatives in the Education, Home, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, as well as Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Ministries.
He was, however, happy MCA vice-chief Datuk Lee Chee Liang was made deputy international trade and industry minister.
Jiao Zong (United Chinese School Teachers Association) president Ong Kow Yee said it is somewhat disappointing that MCA is not allocated the deputy education minister's post but expressed hope that the party's ministers would still raise Chinese education issues in the Cabinet.
He said in the past when MCA held the deputy education minister's post, it was easier for Chinese education groups to voice the problems they faced.
He urged Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap to spare more time to try to understand Chinese education issues.
Meanwhile, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia president Datuk Lim Kok Cheong said he hoped that MCA and Gerakan would be brave enough to speak up in the Cabinet and fight for the rights and interest of the Chinese community.