Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said MCA and Gerakan are just being ‘pretty passengers’ in the Barisan Nasional as they are seen as not doing anything to win back the support of Chinese voters.

He said Opposition party, DAP is seen as a stronger force compared to the MCA and Gerakan whom he said have to rely on the government for campaigns.

"MCA and GERAKAN are just being passengers... pretty passengers. Not doing much, just making noise. Their rival is strong that’s why they are moving their campaigns through the government,” he said when contacted by Astro AWANI today.

“They have become mere passengers. They used to drive but now are just being a passenger. A passenger who sits at the back,” he added.

He said it will be difficult for BN to win back the support of Chinese voters before the next general election.
“I think that will be difficult as BN is still far behind in terms of voters registration drive by the Opposition,” he said.

“I think BN’s strength needs to be increased. Even then I am not sure because BN’s struggle is no longer about votes but about the Chinese who see themselves as oppressed, second class citizens and others. All these play a role in the perception struggle,” he said.

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He called on all the component parties in the BN to undergo transformation to win back the heart of Chinese voters in the country.

He was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call yesterday to Chinese voters to return to the BN.