Loke also said that DAP never once said it was keen to join forces with MCA which is a component of Barisan Nasional.

“First of all, we never said we wanted to collaborate with them (MCA). So don’t put yourself on a pedestal by assuming we are cooperating,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

Loke was responding to MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong who was reported to have said that it would be difficult for MCA to work with DAP even though they were part of the same government.

Loke said that its cooperation with BN was within the context of the unity government. DAP, as part of Pakatan Harapan, is a coalition ally of BN in the unity government led by Anwar Ibrahim.

Therefore, he said, it was up to BN to decide how it wanted to work together when it came to elections. If MCA was dissatisfied with the arrangement, the party should resolve the matter internally, he said.

“As far as I know, the BN leadership, especially Umno, who are part of the Cabinet have consistently stated their commitment to strengthen the unity government. I have observed that MCA’s leaders would often issue conflicting statements. But that’s their prerogative,” Loke said.

Loke’s salvo tonight may further fuel MCA’s dissatisfaction over Umno’s ties with DAP. MCA had been reported in the past to be uncomfortable with Umno cozying up with DAP, and there have been growing calls in the party to decide whether it would remain in BN.