Should MCA have stayed out of the Cabinet after the 2013 elections?

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MCA's Post-2013 Cabinet Involvement Debated by Former President

MCA's negative public image might have been averted had the party abstained from joining the Cabinet following its diminished performance in the 2013 general elections. According to former MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek, remaining outside the government would have provided the party with greater latitude to articulate its views on contemporary matters and potentially fostered a different perception among the ethnic Chinese community. The party's electoral results in 2013 saw it secure only seven parliamentary and 11 state seats, prompting an initial decision by its leaders to resign from Cabinet and senior government roles.
Post-Election Decision to Rejoin Government

Despite the initial resignations after the 2013 polls, MCA, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, subsequently voted at an Extraordinary General Meeting in February 2014 to accept government positions, including ministerial appointments. This decision reversed the earlier stance and saw MCA members re-entering the federal government, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announcing appointments of MCA members to ministerial and deputy minister roles in June 2014.
Impact of Cabinet Participation on Public Perception

Dr Chua contended that the public's electoral choices in the preceding two general elections indicated a desire for MCA to be absent from the federal government. He argued that by remaining part of the governing coalition, MCA has become a target for public blame on a wide range of issues. This continued association with the government, in his view, has led to the community's current stance of disrespect towards the party.
Criticism of Current Leadership and Political Acumen

Furthermore, Dr Chua criticised the incumbent MCA leadership for what he perceived as inadequate performance on significant current issues. He suggested a lack of courage and political wisdom within the party, which he believes has contributed to the community's diminished regard for MCA. Dr Chua asserted that even while within the Cabinet as a component party of Barisan Nasional, MCA ought to have demonstrated the fortitude to voice divergent opinions, a quality he feels has been conspicuously absent.

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Should MCA have stayed out of the Cabinet after the 2013 elections?

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