KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will seek details from Umno on its meetings with Pas at the next Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the party was interested to know what Umno and Pas talked about, especially since the topics revolved around race and religion.

"Umno has the right to meet with any political party. But when they talk to Pas about racial and religious issues, Umno as the leading component party in BN, which is a multicultural coalition, has the duty to disclose the specifics of their discussions to the other component parties," said Ong after chairing MCA's central committee meeting yesterday.

Ong said if Umno was not transparent on their meetings with Pas, many misunderstandings and speculations will result, which ultimately would be detrimental to the coalition in terms of support from the people.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi revealed on July 20 that Umno and Pas had been holding talks to address issues on Islam and Malay unity.
"Barisan Nasional has always championed the rights of every race in the country. So when discussing matters of religion and race with Pas, Umno must remember to take into consideration the feelings and interests of the other multiracial component parties.

"They must not compromise on the rights of the other races," he added.

Asked if the MCA condoned Umno's meetings with Pas, Ong replied that the party did not agree with such meetings but did not condemn it either.

"They have the right to meet with anyone. Just like MCA can meet with other BN component parties, provided our talks are for the greater good of Malaysia. However, we do not talk with DAP."