MCA President, Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong, as a seasoned political figure with a doctoral degree, is expected to embody maturity and pragmatism in governance. Yet during the recent “Jalan Petaling” archway incident, he revealed a startling lack of accountability—reducing himself to a bumbling political performer. This debacle has left the entire Malaysian Chinese community— myself included —both heartbroken and enraged.
Reports indicate that the incident was set in motion when Datuk Ang Say Tee, chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association, had ‘heard’ that certain officials had proposed removing Chinese signage. Seizing the moment without fact checking , Dr. Wee Ka Siong hurriedly concocted a false narrative to portray himself as a “Chinese hero.” However, when Kuala Lumpur City Hall intervened to set the record straight, he promptly lost face, became indignant, and appeared utterly disheveled. It was clear he was peddling lies—twisting mere hearsay into a grand conspiracy of “Chinese under siege.” I am utterly disappointed by this display.
While it may be understandable that someone like Datuk Ang Say Tee—who has never held a ministerial post—might inadvertently conflate an official’s suggestion with actual government policy, those who have served as ministers and occupy high-ranking positions must exhibit far greater political sensitivity and responsibility. How, then, can Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong—and his party comrade, MCA Vice President Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng—act so recklessly?
What is even more astonishing is that Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng, long sidelined by Dr. Wee Ka Siong, now shamelessly echoes these baseless falsehoods. Despite knowing full well that this entire farce is nothing but a fabrication, he leaps at every opportunity to launch indiscriminate attacks against Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Such actions expose the opportunistic nature of the MCA leadership.
The MCA’s self-orchestrated “heroic act” has completely unraveled—not only needlessly alarming the Chinese community but also fueling unfounded attacks against the Madani government. Clearly, their intentions are anything but sincere; they are desperate to drum up support ahead of the upcoming state elections in Sabah, Malacca, and Johor.
While I welcome rational oversight and constructive criticism of the government, it is outrageous that these leaders—once expected to epitomize mature governance—have stooped to lying, rumor-mongering, and inciting ethnic tensions. In the end, the people will judge who sows chaos and who truly works for the common good.
I must stress that once the facts were verified and it was confirmed that Dr. Wee Ka Siong’s allegations were entirely baseless, Housing and Local Government Minister personally visited Jalan Petaling to assess the situation and reassure the Chinese community. Yet instead of apologising for their deceit, the MCA has escalated its malicious attacks. This forces me to ask: do they genuinely defend the rights and interests of the Chinese community as they claim as their raisin d’etre, or are they simply targeting the Democratic Action Party for its own sake?
I sincerely hope that the MCA will embrace a fair and dignified approach in the upcoming state elections, rather than continuing to pander to this low-grade political farce. Social resources must not be squandered, and voters will no longer be duped.
Howard Lee
Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timor
Central Executive Committee (CEC) Member, Democratic Action Party
