Negeri Sembilan MCA said they were absent from Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's function in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan yesterday because no one invited them.

State MCA chief Lim Chin Fui suggested that this could be the fault of the organiser.

"We were absent because we didn't receive any notice. This must be a technical issue with the organiser, for making a mistake by not sending us the (Zahid's) schedule.

"Previously, there was no issue when the prime minister visited Port Dickson. I can assure the deputy prime minister that MCA grassroots leaders are working hard to serve the people," said Lim, according to Sin Chew Daily today.

Zahid lashed out at MCA yesterday over their absence, noting that representatives of other BN component parties such as Gerakan, MIC and MyPPP were present.

He said MCA should have turned up in Rembau although they are not fielding candidates in the area as a sign of BN solidarity.

"Help our candidate. You want seats but you don't attend our programmes," he was quoted as saying by BN Backbenchers Council portal.

Meanwhile, Lim said he would personally explain Negeri Sembilan MCA's absence to Zahid and Negeri Sembilan BN chief Mohamad Hasan.

Meanwhile, China Press reports that Gerakan state chief Choong Vee Hing received an invitation from Negeri Sembilan Umno several days ago.

Attempts to reach Lim for comments were unsuccessful.

Zahid had lashed out at MCA two nights in a row. During his visit to Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur on Monday, he accused MCA of not doing enough to wrest the seat back from the opposition.

"Twice we have given MCA this seat. Isn't that true? Who did the work? Umno did!" he said during a speech at the launch of BN's Bandar Tun Razak election machinery.