KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will remain as a Chinese-based party, says party deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

He said feedback from members has shown that 80% wanted the party to retain its basic characteristic.

"I went around the country to listen to members' views on how to reform the party shortly after the (May 9) general election," said Dr Wee, who has been tasked by the party leadership to reform the party.

MCA was almost wiped out in the 14th General Election, winning one parliamentary seat and two state seats out of the 129 it contested.

Among the issues said to have contributed the party's poor outing is the perception that race-based parties are no longer popular today.

Dr Wee, however, said many MCA members begged to differ, citing Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which was founded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Parti Amanah Negara as race-based parties in Pakatan Harapan.

While MCA may be seen to be focused on communal issues, Dr Wee pointed out that the party always takes care of Malaysians based on their needs.

"This is what our founding president Tun Tan Cheng Lock emphasised – take care of all Malayans," he said about the party, which was established on Feb 27, 1949.

At a media conference after launching his six-point manifesto for the party polls at Wisma MCA here Wednesday (Oct 17), Dr Wee stressed that there should not be any feelings of rivalry once the elections conclude on Nov 4.

Dr Wee, who is contesting the president's post, is in a three-cornered fight with Gan Ping Sieu and Ngoo Teck Keong.

His manifesto titled "Rejuvenation of MCA: Concept, Strategy and Goal" has its focus on six areas – market-oriented organisational transformation, using big data for more effective political messaging in the digital era, upgrade cadre training to enhance the abilities and skills of party members, initiate a new political function of constructive criticism, grassroots-centric and innovative political initiatives and promoting open-mindedness and cooperation in a diverse society as a political priority.

Also present at the launch were his team for the election, which includes Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon for deputy president as well as vice presidential candidates Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, Datuk Lim Ban Hong and Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.