BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that MCA will remain in the coalition, despite speculation of an internal push for the party to leave.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, said MCA and MIC are key components in the formation of BN.

“There’s no such thing (as MCA leaving BN). If it were happening, I’d hear it directly from MCA president (Datuk Seri) Wee Ka Siong.

“Perhaps there are movements by certain quarters; I’ve been told about that, but the decision of their central committee suggests otherwise.

“God willing, they will remain with us in BN,” said the deputy prime minister after launching the Port Dickson Umno division delegates meeting on Sunday.

Zahid was commenting on a newspaper report regarding ongoing MCA divisional meetings, which are expected to determine whether the party will sever ties with Umno during its annual general assembly scheduled for October.

The issue reportedly stems from growing dissatisfaction among MCA grassroots leaders, who feel the party has been sidelined by Umno.

Zahid said MCA had struggled in the 14th and 15th general elections, having failed to retain their seats.

He said Umno must treat its component party allies with respect and offer assistance when needed.

“Umno must support our friends when they’re in trouble.

“This is the spirit of BN that we must strengthen, and I am confident our partners will continue to stand with the BN coalition,” he said.

On a separate matter, Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development, affirmed that BN will continue using the ‘dacing’ (scales) symbol in the next general election (GE16).

“I have said that for GE16, we will continue to use the scales symbol, and BN component parties will be allocated seats to contest.

“Though the election is still far off, that is the decision we have made,” he said.

On another matter, Zahid said the opposition’s planned ‘Turun Anwar’ rally, scheduled for July 26, would not succeed.

He said the plan reveals the true colours of the opposition, who had previously engaged in political betrayal and are attempting to do so again.

“So we need not worry about that kind of behaviour.

“The public need not be alarmed by such efforts, God willing, the current government will not collapse just because of a demonstration organised by Pas Youth.

“I think it’s easy to criticise, but doing the actual work is the hard part,” he said.