MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said it was inappropriate for Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the BN deputy chairperson, to openly criticise MCA.

This was after Zahid reportedly chastised the party for their apparent failure to turn up at a BN event in Rembau yesterday.

"I believe it was a communication problem.

“It was inappropriate to openly criticise MCA without first inquiring on the facts of the matter.

"If it was me, I would not have done it," he said in a statement today.

Liow said he was informed that divisional MCA leaders did attend the Rembau event. However, state leaders were not present as they were not invited.

"I have instructed Negeri Sembilan MCA to investigate the communication problem and prepare a report," he said.

Liow, who is also the transport minister, confirmed he has met Zahid (photo) over the latter's criticisms. 

"I have expressed my opinion on the matter and he also expressed his opinion.

"He asked that we encourage our members to cooperate in the preparation for the general election.

"I do think that election preparation is of utmost importance... MCA is fully prepared for the general election.

"I would like to stress that when it comes to work on the ground, MCA gives its all," he stressed.

Yesterday, Zahid criticised MCA in front of its coalition partners after he did not see the party's representative on stage.

"Where is the MCA representative? There is not a single one. There is MIC, Gerakan, myPPP, but not MCA.

"Please show your face in the parliamentary constituency of Rembau even though you are contesting elsewhere," he was quoted as saying.