The mainstream English and Malay media have been reporting on the ongoing MCA crisis without much insight into the power play and deals that are taking behind doors.

This is because they are generally being told by those running for office on what should or should not be written. To fully understand the politics in the party one must read the Chinese press that has - thankfully - renewed their interest in MCA as fresh elections loom.

It is interesting to note that the China Press has taken the stand that Chua Soi Lek is actively courting Liow Tiong Lai’s faction, in hope that the faction would support his presidency bid despite their previous differences.

Insiders in Liow’s faction, however, insist that they would not work with Chua as he is a ‘stained’ candidate and a partnership with him would be highly hypocritical on their part.

China Press also highlighted the statement made by Kedah MCA that former president Ong Ka Ting must make a comeback and lead the party for a year, fixing the mess in time for the next general elections. Ka Ting, they say, has no baggage, is a proven reformer and is also a man of his word.

Nanyang Siang Pau seems to be of the opinion that Chua has set sights on some members of Liow’s faction and intends to induce them to his side with promises of reform. He, however, has not been successful as his overtures have been rejected so far.

Nanyang also believes that Ong Ka Ting and his brother Ka Chuan have been actively courted by Liow’s faction as they both have strong credibility and the support of the grassroots. The only down-factor is that Ka Ting has vowed not to return to the party in a leadership capacity.

An alternative to this would be Ka Chuan fighting for the presidency with Liow his deputy, both with the tacit support of Ka Ting.

Guang Ming has claimed to have insider sources who confirm that Chua will run for the presidency on a tag line of ‘Just One Year’. He will promise delegates that if voted in; he will only stay as president for one year before handing over the reins over to Liow.

It was also reported here that Chua has informed the prime minister of this plan but has not got an endorsement from him as of yet. This game-plan is very much dependant on Liow agreeing to run for office with Chua as Chua desperately needs his support to neutralise his ‘sex DVD’ scandal factor.

The simple analysis that can be summarised from the stand taken by the newspapers mentioned above is that there seems to be a momentum building for the return of Ong Ka Ting, as a temporary measure to fix the mess MCA finds itself in now.

It is also clear that the current line-up of candidates do not earn the support of the MCA delegates as a whole and there are questions raised to why should there be fresh elections if the same tainted candidates are to be running for the same posts?