I refer to the Malaysiakini report Will new MCA boss nominate Chua as minister?

A word frequently abused by the media is 'infighting' or 'war or words', to describe the disagreement between both MCA president Ong Tee Keat and his deputy, Chua Soi Lek.

The inverted commas that hold those words up are like tongs holding something objectionable.

It's silly and irresponsible for the press to just dismiss any form of disagreement within as 'infighting'

I do not think that Ong had anything personal nor is there a concerted attempt to thwart Chua's ambitions.

The issue was blown out of proportion following Chua's pre-emptive statements against the president, especially on the issue of his appointment as cabinet minister.

Chua has no business going beyond what he promised in his party election manifesto and issuing veiled threats and pre-emptive moves on his chances of being a minister.

By doing so - despite clear public sentiment against him being minister - it shows that he is not fully confident that he has the mandate of the people to hold such an office.

Whilst disagreements between leaders are bound to happen, true leaders back their arguments with principles.

Tan Koon Swan, who led the reformation against Neo Yee Pan, fought on the principles of democracy, despite not being a deputy president. Lim Ah Lek was fighting excesses in his tiff with Ling Liong Sik as president.

The lack of a fight based on principles for the good party shows nothing more than a naked obsession for power on Chua's part. And it is wrong to label this as 'infighting'.

He was given the important task of bringing the party back into relevance by being an ombudsman for government policies and the conduct of MCA Ministers.

Instead of rolling up his sleeves and inviting a fight, he should focus his strength on the work at hand within the party. That was what he promised to do and many are watching him if he can deliver the goods.