IPOH: MCA has criticised Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s move to form a new Opposition pact, saying that it is not ethical for the former premier to turn his back against Barisan Nasional.

Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said it was very sad that Dr Mahathir was deserting the very same coalition that supported him during his time as prime minister.

“Dr Mahathir was able to hold a political reign over the country because of the support he received from Barisan. And now, this is what he plans to do. I think it is ethically wrong for him to turn his back against Barisan,” he told reporters after closing the 15th leadership course organised by The Federation Of Taipu Association Malaysia here yesterday.

But, Ong conceded that as Malaysia was a democratic country, it was ultimately Dr Mahathir’s right to do so.

Asked if the formation of a new Opposition coalition would pose a threat to Barisan’s performance in the next general election, Ong said it was still too early to gauge.

“Dr Mahathir has yet to formally announce those joining him and whether the other Opposition parties are willing to cooperate with him. We cannot ignore his influence and will continue to monitor this development,” he said.

In Bentong, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the move by Dr Mahathir was an act of a “desperate” man and an exercise in futility.

Liow, who is also Transport Minister, said Dr Mahathir was motivated by personal interests and that the new Opposition pact would go nowhere because there was no end to the squabbling among them.

Recently, Dr Mahathir announced his intention to set up a new party and form a new Opposition pact involving DAP, PKR and Amanah to go against Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election.

Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed his full support of Dr Mahathir’s plan.

In Johor Baru, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the Registrar of Societies had yet to receive any application from individuals to register a new political party.

“A formal application must be sent to the Home Ministry for consideration before approval is granted.

“The background of the person will be vetted to see if he has any previous records, including financial resources as we do not want any party to get monetary aid from outsiders with ill-intention towards the country,” he said yesterday.

Nur Jazlan said the vetting would take time and that it was good if Dr Mahathir could submit an application as soon as possible.

He said the ministry would scrutinise the purpose of the new party and whether it would benefit the people at large or created out of self-interest.

“The idea was mooted to prop up the Opposition pact that has fallen apart. It would suffer the same fate because there is no sincerity in their cause,” said the Pulai MP.

-The Star-