PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat's vision of the party assuming a multiracial outlook will remain just that, a vision, for now.

Secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said it was not on the party's agenda at the moment.

"When the Chinese decided to become citizens, they formed MCA to look after the Chinese. Suddenly, you say they should become multiracial. It is possible, but not something that you can do overnight.

"It is not easy to open your door and let other races come in and I don't think it can be achieved in a short while."

He was commenting on Tee Keat's opinion that the party needed to adopt a more multi-racial outlook to remain relevant.
Tee Keat had in an interview with Bernama said the party needed to adopt a "Malaysian" approach in politics as communal rights were intertwined with other rights.

He had also criticised the race-based party concept, saying it had compartmentalised politicians' roles in reaching out to the people.

Ka Chuan said the suggestion was Tee Keat's personal view and not one shared by the party. He said the situation needed to be looked at and assessed carefully.

He added that such a drastic change would require the amendment of the party's constitution, a move which needed the approval of two-thirds of its voting members.

The MCA constitution limits party membership to Chinese Malaysians.

"I think the majority of grassroots members feel that we should maintain our identity," he replied, when asked if Tee Keat's suggestion was supported at ground level.

"I can understand why he said it. In view of the election results, people felt that the country should have a multiracial outlook.

"Whether the sentiment can be sustained and whether that type of situation can be prolonged is yet to be seen."

Ka Chuan said he did not want to deny Tee Keat the right to voice his views "but as far as the party is concerned, we have to be prudent".

He said the party needed to keep up with an evolving society, but such a change would need collective approval.