In his 2021 MCA annual general assembly speech today, he also accused some parties of wanting to capitalise on such a situation so that they could garner more votes when misunderstandings between different ethnic groups continue.
He also reminded party members of MCA’s political ideals and position since the party was founded.
“We are the ambassadors of ethnic relations, we are the bridge that unites the people and we are a political party that creates harmony and peace.
“While our opponents try to gain power by creating racial hatred, MCA depends solely on making peace with others,” he said.
Wee, who is also the transport minister, then weighed in on comments made in the past about the party.
“In the past, some people commented that MCA members are the good people but they have joined the wrong party.
“We have not joined the wrong party. This is a reliable party in which we can place our trust,” he said.
The MCA annual general assembly, falling on the party’s 72nd anniversary, was held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wee said over the past 13 months, political instability, the spread of Covid-19 and the pause in economic activities had seen some of the worst times for Malaysia.
“It has changed the way people view politics. What we took for granted in the past has become something extraordinary.”
Wee also touched on the resignation of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in February last year.
“All of a sudden, Perikatan Nasional (PN) became the ruling government and MCA was back in the ruling coalition.”
He added that with the pandemic forcing people to stay indoors, causing job losses and weakening the economy, it was important for political parties and leaders to provide the foundation for political stability.
He said MCA had never been a troublemaker.
“With wisdom and strategic approaches, we seek consensus with other parties in the coalition.
“With mutual respect and understanding, we are here to face the problems, handle the problems and solve the problems.”
Calling MCA the community’s pride, he said party members must practise good behaviour and set a good example.
“We are here to voice out against injustice or unrighteousness and to protect the dignity of our party.”
He urged party members to work hard to earn the support of voters and to strengthen its political power in the ruling coalition.
“We are not to bully our own people, deny the interests of our own community or, even worse, betray the community by persecuting the younger generation and stopping them from getting any opportunities to further their studies.”
Later, the assembly passed five resolutions, including one that urged Putrajaya to promote the spirit of pluralism and moderation, and to serve all, regardless of ethnicity.
“All parties must put an end to political conflicts and concentrate on putting an end to the pandemic to help the people and revitalise the economy,” it said.
On the economy, MCA urged the government to formulate measures to assist groups and sectors hardest hit by the pandemic in order to facilitate a comprehensive economic recovery and increase the income of Malaysians.