SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional fared poorly in the May 9 general election as its component parties failed to work as a team in some constituencies, said MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

“We were slaughtered in some places because we were working in our silos.

“We went campaigning with our own teams while Pakatan Harapan was united,” said Chong, who spoke to reporters for the first time since the elections.

“This elections showed that we have got a lot to learn but it was certainly a good experience for us,” he said.

Barisan, he said, should have done better as it was the government then.

“We had time to prepare for the polls. But sadly, one of the reasons for our downfall was because we failed to act in unison,” he said.

“The other factor was because Barisan had somehow lost its credibility and the people just wanted to change the government no matter how much we had done for them,” he said.

Chong said Barisan must revamp to regain public support.

“We have to go back to our grassroots and ask them what they want reformed.

“We can only decide on our next course of action once we have done that,” he said adding that the MCA and Umno have already started work on this.

Chong, who has been appointed state MCA interim chief following the resignation of Datuk Seri King Lim Chin Fui, said the party would be conducting a post-mortem following its worst electoral performance.

“All state Youth chiefs are still with us and we hope to come up with proposals to reform the party soonest,” he said.

Asked if he had received reports that some members were planning to quit the party, Chong said “no” but added that he would not be surprised if they wanted to do so.

“What is important is for us to work on our revamp,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wanita MCA chairman Datuk Heng Seai Kie said they would continue to be the voice of the rakyat despite being on the Opposition bench now.

She said Wanita MCA would play its role in monitoring the Government’s administration.

The wing, she said, would provide constructive comments and suggestions, as well as coordinate with the Federal Government to build a better Malaysia.

“We wish Pakatan Harapan well and hope they will do better and build a better future for the people.”

“Strive to correct unfair policies and focus on developing the country, and not abuse power to carry out personal revenge and suppress political opponents,” she said.

“As the chairperson of the Wanita wing, I take full responsibility to lead the wing to self-repent and self-review, so as to make reforms and consolidate plans for the next 10 years,” said Heng in a statement yesterday.