Penang: MCA will field Sabahan candidates who truly understand the needs, aspirations, and sentiments of the people in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, said party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He stated that the candidates to be fielded are individuals born and raised in Sabah, with strong local ties and proven service records in their respective constituencies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wee emphasized the importance of candidates being well-known in their areas and having long served the community. He shared this information with reporters after attending the Penang MCA Annual General Meeting.

Wee mentioned that the list of MCA candidates for the Sabah state election had been discussed at the Barisan Nasional (BN) level and was now awaiting final approval before being announced. He added that the official announcement is expected to be made before November 15, which is nomination day, while the launch of the election machinery is scheduled about a week earlier.

On October 12, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying that, apart from UMNO candidates, the coalition would also field candidates from MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) in the upcoming state election.

Meanwhile, Wee reaffirmed that MCA remains firmly within the BN family, dismissing speculation that the party might leave the coalition. He assured that there are no issues and that any changes will be discussed thoroughly and in accordance with proper procedures, focusing on the work ahead of the Sabah state election.