Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:33
By FMT Staff
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA, the second largest BN component party, had just conducted its 57th annual general meeting (AGM) on Oct 9 and 10 over the weekend.
It was also the first under Dr Chua Soi Lek’s leadership since he was elected party president under extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary general meeting, a solution which ended the open leadership crisis led by former president Ong Tee Keat.
Internally, MCA Youth led by Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was purportedly aligned to former MCA president Ong Ka Ting, has shown signs of reconciliation with Chua while the Wanita wing continues to rumble while bearing the scar following the resignation of its former chief Chew Mei Fun on a matter of moral principle over Chua's sensational DVD sex scandal exposed in January 2008.
Recently, Chua publicly admitted that his efforts towards uniting the party in the aftermath his election victory over Tee Keat are showing results, but he admitted that some “divisional warlords” are thwarting his objective.
Meanwhile, the party leadership is facing tremendous pressure arising from increasing racial polarisation, and incidents of racist remarks made by certain quarters, including Perkasa. With a general election looming, Chua is racing against time to heal the wounds of his party and to woo back Chinese support for BN.
Against this background and challenges, the AGM was held over the weekend with a lot of display of rhetoric and messages of motivation.
STANLEY KOH, who used to head the MCA's research unit, shares with FMT his observations and views on the party’s leadership renewal, strengths and weaknesses and on its likely destiny.
How do you read the mood of the just completed AGM of the MCA?
This is the first AGM under Chua’s leadership since he was elected president. I think there are several factors which may shed some light on the mood of the 1,700 or more delegates who were present at the event.
While Chua’s speech sets the tone and direction of his leadership and his party’s relationship with BN-Umno, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s message is also crucial in responding to the grouses of MCA. I think all these would affect the overall mood of the delegates who were present. Don't forget the 25% or so delegates who chose to absent themselves but who nevertheless would be reading about the event from mainstream newspapers and online news portals.
Having said this, I think the majority of the delegates are aware that the “red alert” light is on, that is, the party will be facing a daunting task trying to win back seats in the next general election. Many are unhappy with Umno’s leadership in handling some of the more controversial issues or not doing enough to lessen the burden of MCA. But many are also not happy with Chua’s tainted past but nevertheless, he is at the helm of the party now.
However, I can say that the delegates, including those from the Youth and Wanita wings, are not in a happy mood.
Chua in his speech said that the wounds would have been healed by now. Does this mean that there are signs of unity that the party is finally moving forward? Or that the party is putting its acrimonious past onto the backburner?
When politicians talk about unity within their parties, you have to take it with a pinch of salt. With hindsight, I remember former president Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Chan Kong Choy openly announcing that the party was healed after they took over following the Ling (Liong Sik)-Lim (Ah Lek) protracted leadership squabbling sometime in 2004. I think the party’s history showed they were wrong and it showed up in the party’s performance in the 2008 general election.
When Chua used the words, “would have been healed” it could mean two things: either he was not sure (about the healing) or that he was not prepared to tell the truth. I would go further to say that he would rather have the party members guess all the way.
Is unity a crucial factor in MCA’s case?
Put it this way: MCA unity is perpetually illusive. The word 'unity' is not in the DNA of MCA blood lifeline. Anybody who is knowledgeable about the party’s history can tell you the dozen of party leadership crises which had occurred over the decades. The latest crisis following the departure of Ong Ka Ting involved Chua and Ong Tee Keat. When Chua was squabbling with Tee Keat, he did not give party unity a priority but went ahead with an EGM to challenge the incumbent. Of course, it was also done with the noble aim of saving the party and now that he has won the presidency, he is talking about the importance of party unity. To most politicians, that is logical... even if they have had a hand in causing disunity in the party.
Chua challenged Tee Keat under the banner of 'saving' the party even though in the process it actually split the party. Do you see the paradox of politics? So there is some truth in the saying that politicians deliberately make waves so that they can justify saving lives (to prevent drowning).
What is the significant message from Chua at the AGM?
His message is two-fold: the party must close ranks and the top Umno leadership must walk the talk on the 1Malaysia concept.
Can Chua pull his party through in time to face the next general election?
It is still premature to talk about it. I am sure nobody can give you a straightforward, truthful and accurate answer. Not even Chua’s loyal lieutenants at this stage of the political development.
But we have observed Chua’s capability in overcoming challenges in the past against all odds. Most will agree with me that the character of a leader is closely intertwined with the type or brand of leadership he wants to project.
In Chua’s case, I gather that he is a straight talker in political negotiation and bargaining and loathes beating about the bush. He faces his challenges head on just as he had openly dealt with his sensational DVD sex scandal.
It took him two years since his political downfall in 2008 to climb back to the pinnacle of the MCA hierarchy in 2010, patiently recruiting supporters and sympathisers to support him and instilling their confidence in him.
That involved a lot of conspiring, planning, patience and strategic publicity. After committing a moral wrong, he took a less travelled road that many would have abandoned. But that is not Chua’s style of calling it a day.
He joined the Cabinet only in 2004 after having spent decades at the state level in Johor, manoeuvring and climbing up the national ladder.
He is basically a schemer while his detractors labelled him a “cunning” and tactical conspirator. Recently, his open acknowledgement that politics must involve 'fights' and dissension speaks a lot about this man.
Having said all these, I feel Chua can only do so much. His success or failure will only be decided by the voters at the next general election.
Within his party, unless there is no challenge against him from his detractors before the next general election, he may well likely extend his term though he may have given others the impression that his tenure is a temporary one to unite the party. Remember, he pleaded that he wanted to be just an ordinary member but now ended up as president.
The unwritten word is that any changes in the MCA leadership from now on needs the nod from 'atas'. You can guess what that means.
Is there any secret formula Chua will employ to change his public image and that of his party to win back Chinese support?
I don’t think a secret formula is necessary. What he does will eventually come out into the open. Based on observations, his political moves and dealings with the BN government is a telling comment on him.
For months, he had been having a very busy schedule holding meetings and dialogues with all quarters. He travelled the length and breadth of the country meeting associations, clans, business community and leaders to listen to their grouses and conveying their requests to the government or through his ministers and deputies.
He is focusing on all outstanding issues pertaining to Chinese education, which previous party presidents had not fully dealt with. If I am correct in my observation, Chua is trying to find ways and means of overcoming the electorate’s negative image towards him. He is trying to accomplish it in the hope of pulling in the votes.
For example, during the AGM, the offer of scholarships to SPM students was deliberately announced to give it publicity. Likewise, the entry qualification set for UEC holders to enter teacher training institutions was highlighted. Similarly, a lot of publicity was given about PTPN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loans for students of Chinese Independent Chinese schools.
You can see that the issue of Chinese education is the life line of MCA just as Malay rights is to Umno. So, maybe Chua sees this (Chinese education) as MCA's life support when he is gets that sinking feeling.
Perhaps, there are some other 'secrets' in the pipeline. Maybe, there will be more details about New Villages... health fund... MCA cannot run away from some of its pet projects. One thing is for sure: Chua will make more announcements as the general election gets nearer.
Will all these you mentioned suffice to get back Chinese votes or voters in general?
In my opinion, the answer is 'no'. The party leadership has recognised that the mindsets of Malaysians have changed or are changing. But I don’t see any improvements in the rhetoric. Instead it is full of contradictions.
Don’t forget, MCA has been around for decades. The leadership is plagued with anxieties over its political failure that had contributed to the present state of affairs.
To me the message it conveys is this: 'I have done this wrong. I am not perfect and I admit my mistakes. Let us put this behind and move forward.'
But the problem is that many voters are not willing either to forgive or forget MCA’s leadership failure. The party has been around for more than 50 years... but its role in the BN is being gradually eroded.
Do you think the criticisms directed at Pakatan Rakyat by MCA-BN justifiable?
Pakatan has been ruling some states since 2008. Even Najib (Tun Razak) has said he was given only one-and-half years and hence, there was no way he can fulfil the long wish list. In the meantime, the BN has launched all sorts of verbal attacks against Pakatan for its blunders in governance.
Don’t you think that the list of MCA-BN's misdeeds is longer and more serious? I am sure many Malaysians are thinking people. When MCA accused DAP of collaborating with PAS, the leadership must also consider its own stormy relationship with Umno. Sometimes I wonder if politicians do suffer from 'Parkinson's disease'.
Till today, there have been no answers as to why the MCA had politically failed, including losing the Penang chief ministership status, and strategic ministerial posts (which are no longer held by MCA). Civil service employment continues to be lopsided and many other outstanding issues have still not been resolved.
Chua chose to mention those things that are more palatable to his audience and hid the past failures of his party over the decades. When he said that Malaysians are better than their forefathers, is he saying their successes came from heaven? In fact, many had worked hard and succeeded despite the New Economic Policy, and not because they benefited from the never-ending NEP.
Those few who were successful and had derived benefits from the NEP were able to do so because of political patronage. Everybody knows that but perhaps not Chua.
Lastly, how do you rate the chances of MCA being able to recover from the next general election?
I am in no position or an expert to answer this with accuracy. I wish I am an alien from outer space endowed with an intuitive capability that can look into the party’s future.
Even within the party, there are so many experts who are still unsure of a definite answer. Who are we from the outside to give an accurate rating?
But as an outsider and based on feedback, I think there are certainly some issues which MCA cannot deal with. These are issues which lie beyond the jurisdiction or powers of the party and therefore, it cannot call the shots.
There are also certain realities which MCA cannot reverse, which a two-party system may be able to do.
When the party points an accusing finger at Pakatan, four other fingers are pointing back at MCA. If the party continues to campaign on the fear factor, and along communal line, I think it is heading for more backlash.
I can only say that it (message of fear) doesn’t work anymore.
Furthermore, the chances of its recovery are beyond the control of its leadership. I don’t wish to make a blanket judgment on the number of seats it will win because it is not realistic unless one conducts an analysis of the seats. Moreover, everything is still fluid. We can only cross the bridge when we come to it.
By FMT Staff
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA, the second largest BN component party, had just conducted its 57th annual general meeting (AGM) on Oct 9 and 10 over the weekend.
It was also the first under Dr Chua Soi Lek’s leadership since he was elected party president under extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary general meeting, a solution which ended the open leadership crisis led by former president Ong Tee Keat.
Internally, MCA Youth led by Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was purportedly aligned to former MCA president Ong Ka Ting, has shown signs of reconciliation with Chua while the Wanita wing continues to rumble while bearing the scar following the resignation of its former chief Chew Mei Fun on a matter of moral principle over Chua's sensational DVD sex scandal exposed in January 2008.
Recently, Chua publicly admitted that his efforts towards uniting the party in the aftermath his election victory over Tee Keat are showing results, but he admitted that some “divisional warlords” are thwarting his objective.
Meanwhile, the party leadership is facing tremendous pressure arising from increasing racial polarisation, and incidents of racist remarks made by certain quarters, including Perkasa. With a general election looming, Chua is racing against time to heal the wounds of his party and to woo back Chinese support for BN.
Against this background and challenges, the AGM was held over the weekend with a lot of display of rhetoric and messages of motivation.
STANLEY KOH, who used to head the MCA's research unit, shares with FMT his observations and views on the party’s leadership renewal, strengths and weaknesses and on its likely destiny.
How do you read the mood of the just completed AGM of the MCA?
This is the first AGM under Chua’s leadership since he was elected president. I think there are several factors which may shed some light on the mood of the 1,700 or more delegates who were present at the event.
While Chua’s speech sets the tone and direction of his leadership and his party’s relationship with BN-Umno, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s message is also crucial in responding to the grouses of MCA. I think all these would affect the overall mood of the delegates who were present. Don't forget the 25% or so delegates who chose to absent themselves but who nevertheless would be reading about the event from mainstream newspapers and online news portals.
Having said this, I think the majority of the delegates are aware that the “red alert” light is on, that is, the party will be facing a daunting task trying to win back seats in the next general election. Many are unhappy with Umno’s leadership in handling some of the more controversial issues or not doing enough to lessen the burden of MCA. But many are also not happy with Chua’s tainted past but nevertheless, he is at the helm of the party now.
However, I can say that the delegates, including those from the Youth and Wanita wings, are not in a happy mood.
Chua in his speech said that the wounds would have been healed by now. Does this mean that there are signs of unity that the party is finally moving forward? Or that the party is putting its acrimonious past onto the backburner?
When politicians talk about unity within their parties, you have to take it with a pinch of salt. With hindsight, I remember former president Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Chan Kong Choy openly announcing that the party was healed after they took over following the Ling (Liong Sik)-Lim (Ah Lek) protracted leadership squabbling sometime in 2004. I think the party’s history showed they were wrong and it showed up in the party’s performance in the 2008 general election.
When Chua used the words, “would have been healed” it could mean two things: either he was not sure (about the healing) or that he was not prepared to tell the truth. I would go further to say that he would rather have the party members guess all the way.
Is unity a crucial factor in MCA’s case?
Put it this way: MCA unity is perpetually illusive. The word 'unity' is not in the DNA of MCA blood lifeline. Anybody who is knowledgeable about the party’s history can tell you the dozen of party leadership crises which had occurred over the decades. The latest crisis following the departure of Ong Ka Ting involved Chua and Ong Tee Keat. When Chua was squabbling with Tee Keat, he did not give party unity a priority but went ahead with an EGM to challenge the incumbent. Of course, it was also done with the noble aim of saving the party and now that he has won the presidency, he is talking about the importance of party unity. To most politicians, that is logical... even if they have had a hand in causing disunity in the party.
Chua challenged Tee Keat under the banner of 'saving' the party even though in the process it actually split the party. Do you see the paradox of politics? So there is some truth in the saying that politicians deliberately make waves so that they can justify saving lives (to prevent drowning).
What is the significant message from Chua at the AGM?
His message is two-fold: the party must close ranks and the top Umno leadership must walk the talk on the 1Malaysia concept.
Can Chua pull his party through in time to face the next general election?
It is still premature to talk about it. I am sure nobody can give you a straightforward, truthful and accurate answer. Not even Chua’s loyal lieutenants at this stage of the political development.
But we have observed Chua’s capability in overcoming challenges in the past against all odds. Most will agree with me that the character of a leader is closely intertwined with the type or brand of leadership he wants to project.
In Chua’s case, I gather that he is a straight talker in political negotiation and bargaining and loathes beating about the bush. He faces his challenges head on just as he had openly dealt with his sensational DVD sex scandal.
It took him two years since his political downfall in 2008 to climb back to the pinnacle of the MCA hierarchy in 2010, patiently recruiting supporters and sympathisers to support him and instilling their confidence in him.
That involved a lot of conspiring, planning, patience and strategic publicity. After committing a moral wrong, he took a less travelled road that many would have abandoned. But that is not Chua’s style of calling it a day.
He joined the Cabinet only in 2004 after having spent decades at the state level in Johor, manoeuvring and climbing up the national ladder.
He is basically a schemer while his detractors labelled him a “cunning” and tactical conspirator. Recently, his open acknowledgement that politics must involve 'fights' and dissension speaks a lot about this man.
Having said all these, I feel Chua can only do so much. His success or failure will only be decided by the voters at the next general election.
Within his party, unless there is no challenge against him from his detractors before the next general election, he may well likely extend his term though he may have given others the impression that his tenure is a temporary one to unite the party. Remember, he pleaded that he wanted to be just an ordinary member but now ended up as president.
The unwritten word is that any changes in the MCA leadership from now on needs the nod from 'atas'. You can guess what that means.
Is there any secret formula Chua will employ to change his public image and that of his party to win back Chinese support?
I don’t think a secret formula is necessary. What he does will eventually come out into the open. Based on observations, his political moves and dealings with the BN government is a telling comment on him.
For months, he had been having a very busy schedule holding meetings and dialogues with all quarters. He travelled the length and breadth of the country meeting associations, clans, business community and leaders to listen to their grouses and conveying their requests to the government or through his ministers and deputies.
He is focusing on all outstanding issues pertaining to Chinese education, which previous party presidents had not fully dealt with. If I am correct in my observation, Chua is trying to find ways and means of overcoming the electorate’s negative image towards him. He is trying to accomplish it in the hope of pulling in the votes.
For example, during the AGM, the offer of scholarships to SPM students was deliberately announced to give it publicity. Likewise, the entry qualification set for UEC holders to enter teacher training institutions was highlighted. Similarly, a lot of publicity was given about PTPN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loans for students of Chinese Independent Chinese schools.
You can see that the issue of Chinese education is the life line of MCA just as Malay rights is to Umno. So, maybe Chua sees this (Chinese education) as MCA's life support when he is gets that sinking feeling.
Perhaps, there are some other 'secrets' in the pipeline. Maybe, there will be more details about New Villages... health fund... MCA cannot run away from some of its pet projects. One thing is for sure: Chua will make more announcements as the general election gets nearer.
Will all these you mentioned suffice to get back Chinese votes or voters in general?
In my opinion, the answer is 'no'. The party leadership has recognised that the mindsets of Malaysians have changed or are changing. But I don’t see any improvements in the rhetoric. Instead it is full of contradictions.
Don’t forget, MCA has been around for decades. The leadership is plagued with anxieties over its political failure that had contributed to the present state of affairs.
To me the message it conveys is this: 'I have done this wrong. I am not perfect and I admit my mistakes. Let us put this behind and move forward.'
But the problem is that many voters are not willing either to forgive or forget MCA’s leadership failure. The party has been around for more than 50 years... but its role in the BN is being gradually eroded.
Do you think the criticisms directed at Pakatan Rakyat by MCA-BN justifiable?
Pakatan has been ruling some states since 2008. Even Najib (Tun Razak) has said he was given only one-and-half years and hence, there was no way he can fulfil the long wish list. In the meantime, the BN has launched all sorts of verbal attacks against Pakatan for its blunders in governance.
Don’t you think that the list of MCA-BN's misdeeds is longer and more serious? I am sure many Malaysians are thinking people. When MCA accused DAP of collaborating with PAS, the leadership must also consider its own stormy relationship with Umno. Sometimes I wonder if politicians do suffer from 'Parkinson's disease'.
Till today, there have been no answers as to why the MCA had politically failed, including losing the Penang chief ministership status, and strategic ministerial posts (which are no longer held by MCA). Civil service employment continues to be lopsided and many other outstanding issues have still not been resolved.
Chua chose to mention those things that are more palatable to his audience and hid the past failures of his party over the decades. When he said that Malaysians are better than their forefathers, is he saying their successes came from heaven? In fact, many had worked hard and succeeded despite the New Economic Policy, and not because they benefited from the never-ending NEP.
Those few who were successful and had derived benefits from the NEP were able to do so because of political patronage. Everybody knows that but perhaps not Chua.
Lastly, how do you rate the chances of MCA being able to recover from the next general election?
I am in no position or an expert to answer this with accuracy. I wish I am an alien from outer space endowed with an intuitive capability that can look into the party’s future.
Even within the party, there are so many experts who are still unsure of a definite answer. Who are we from the outside to give an accurate rating?
But as an outsider and based on feedback, I think there are certainly some issues which MCA cannot deal with. These are issues which lie beyond the jurisdiction or powers of the party and therefore, it cannot call the shots.
There are also certain realities which MCA cannot reverse, which a two-party system may be able to do.
When the party points an accusing finger at Pakatan, four other fingers are pointing back at MCA. If the party continues to campaign on the fear factor, and along communal line, I think it is heading for more backlash.
I can only say that it (message of fear) doesn’t work anymore.
Furthermore, the chances of its recovery are beyond the control of its leadership. I don’t wish to make a blanket judgment on the number of seats it will win because it is not realistic unless one conducts an analysis of the seats. Moreover, everything is still fluid. We can only cross the bridge when we come to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment