Tough for MCA in Balakong even with ‘star’ logo, say analysts

Political commentator Tang Ah Chai says the ditching of Barisan Nasional’s logo shows that the 45-year old coalition is 'dead'.

The MCA will be using its own logo in the Balakong by-election.

PETALING JAYA: Several analysts have said that MCA is unlikely to win the Balakong by-election despite the party saying it will ditch the Barisan Nasional logo and use its own party symbol.

Political commentator Tang Ah Chai said the decision not to fly the BN flags in Balakong, Selangor, showed that the coalition was “dead”.

“MCA wants to let go of the BN ‘baggage’ but they have not quit as a coalition member until today.

“I do not understand why MCA is hesitant to make a tough decision in quitting BN and be an independent opposition party,” he said, when asked about MCA’s decision to use its “star” logo in the by-election.

Tang said whether MCA decided to use its’ “star” logo or BN’s “dacing”, the result would be similar to the one in the 14th general election.

“It would be a ‘victory’ for them if they can gain more votes from what they got on May 9,” he said, adding that MCA was unlikely to capture the state seat.

In the 14th general election (GE14), Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng from DAP obtained 41,768 votes while MCA’s Lim Chee Wah received 5,874 votes and PAS’ Mohamad Ibrahim Ghazali got 6,230 votes.

The seat became vacant after Ng died in a car crash last month. The Balakong by-election will be held simultaneously with the Seri Setia by-election on Sept 8.

The Seri Setia state seat in Selangor was made vacant by the death of its incumbent from PKR, Shaharuddin Badaruddin.

Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Oh Ei Sun agreed with Tang that MCA was unlikely to recapture the seat they lost in 2008.

“It is impossible that they will be popular overnight by just changing their logo,” he said, adding that the voters had rejected MCA and BN candidates on May 9.

Another analyst, Wong Chin Huat questioned whether the “star” logo would work.

“Not using the BN logo will also mean MCA may not get the Umno supporters in Balakong,” he said.

Wong also asked whether MCA’s decision to distance itself from BN also meant that it was pushing for the coalition to be suspended. -FMT