KUALA LUMPUR: MCA says its decision to abstain from the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election was not due to a boycott.

Instead, the party is simply focusing on its rejuvenation to come back stronger in the next general election.

MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said the party's stance had remained consistent since the previous six state elections, in which the party had refrained from contesting.

"The decision not to engage this time is a continuation of our party leadership's stance," he said during an interview on New Straits Times "Beyond The Headlines" programme yesterday. 

"When we announced that we wanted to sit out the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, people say we are boycotting.

"But that is completely out of context. We are not boycotting. If we are fearful of contesting in the by-election, then why did we contest in every single general election?"

He said any suggestion for the party to leave Barisan Nasional was unbecoming, and the party would always defend its stance when such a thing happens.

He added that MCA recognised its role within BN and the federal government, and understood the importance of upholding the principles of national unity.

"We are not here merely to add on to numbers or to hold on to power, but we are committed to speaking up for the people.

"Having been part of this coalition, we honour the trust placed on us by the electorate, despite MCA only having two seats," he said.

On whether the party foresees a future where it supported a DAP candidate, Neow replied: "We have to accept that the world of politics is very dynamic.

"There's always a possibility. Just look at how close Umno and DAP are today.

"What I want to emphasise is regardless of what happens in the future, as a political party, as a political leader, the best interest of the people and country will remain our priorities.

"If it's all about that, then there's no reason why we would reject any good policy," he added. 

-New Straits Times-