PETALING JAYA: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has called on the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision to end the contracts for some 17,000 civil ser­vants.

The Ayer Hitam MP said he respected Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision, which was done to cut government spending.

“I beg the Prime Minister to give consideration that these terminations be delayed until after Hari Raya.

“I urge him to have mercy on this group of civil servants, who will definitely be left hanging and restless in this holy month,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.

He said Pakatan Harapan should give the Muslims a chance to fast comfortably.

On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir said some 17,000 civil servants, who are political appointees, would be axed in a bid to reduce government spending.

He said there were too many contract officers, but low-wage employees such as drivers would be spared.

He added that some would also be assigned to other roles based on their qualifications.

Meanwhile, MCA Youth said it was ready to position itself as the Opposition to “keep an eye” on the new Government.

Its chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the party did not play its role effectively and ignored the voices of the people.

Speaking to reporters after the MCA Youth central committee meeting yesterday, he pledged that MCA Youth would be more humble in listening to and standing with the people, and observing things from their perspective.

He added that MCA Youth was happy to see a democratic two-party system in Malaysia, with an effective check and balance to ensure a stable and prosperous future.

Chong said that MCA Youth is now “with the people”.

He added that he planned to reunite party member, especially the Youth division, and to groom Youth members for the next general election.