Chua set to lead 'reformasi' in MCA

exclusive When former MCA veep Chua Soi Lek resigned from all posts in January following exposure of a sex scandal, few would have expected him to step back into the political spotlight.

Perhaps he surprised even himself when, on Sept 17, he declared his candidacy for the MCA deputy presidency, which will be decided during the party polls on Oct 18.

The move is being seen as a litmus test, especially since few politicians have had the confidence to challenge the odds in the wake of a scandal. It has drawn admiration for his boldness, but criticism from his rivals.

It helped that he recorded unexpected wins at the recent branch and divisional elections in his stronghold of Johor, which caught his adversaries on the back foot.

Chua (right in photo) explained his decision in an interview, during which he also commented on a range of issues including the party’s leadership and political culture, its role in government, need for strategic reforms and his role as a leader.

“I did not expect to continue receiving political support after my resignation following the DVD incident,” he said.

"But encouragement from the local community and continuous invitations for me to officiate at events and hold dialogues with them informed me that my supporting role is still needed. I have received support from all the 33 MCA branches (in Johor).

“ Feminine (a Chinese-language weekly magazine) had conducted a survey involving some 500 respondents. Among the findings were that I could still get voting support and that the scandal was a private affair, which did not in any way affect public interest.”

Following the exposé, Chua, 61, had relinquished his posts as health minister, MCA vice-president, Labis MP, Johor MCA liaison chief and Batu Pahat MCA division chief

Views on party policy

On earlier speculation that he would contest the presidency, Chua said: “I have never thought to contest for the post. Within the party there was gossip that I was power hungry and ambitious.

“Even when I was in government, there were rumours that I would contest the post. Within the party, there were some who disliked me and due to conflicts, they spread gossip to create misunderstanding among the top leaders.”

Chua said he had chosen not to respond to the rumours so as not to worsen the situation.

Asked if returning to active politics constitutes a breach of the party’s ‘healthy political culture’ policy which limits the tenure of leaders to three terms, he replied with a question: “What is the definition of a ‘healthy political culture’?”

He pointed out contradictions to the concept by citing the fact that party leaders who hold government posts enjoy an added advantage.

“They can offer many things from projects to nominations for honorific titles or promises of political appointments. You must not forget these things happen (during party election campaigns).

“These practices are equally important and must be considered when talking about a ‘healthy political culture’. Yet these are seldom criticised on the understanding that certain leaders need to strengthen their political support (by dishing out goodies while) holding government posts.”

Chua then brushed aside the notion that age is a factor in an individual’s stamina and energy or ability to serve constituents. He said incumbent president Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Chan Kong Choy, were less than 50 when they succeeded the previous leadership.

“Life expectancy at the nation’s Independence was only 57, but is now 75 and by 2020 will be 80 years...what is important is for a party to have young, middle-aged and older leaders.

“Good health irrespective of age, leadership capability and effective representation are also important considerations.”

He contended that limiting the tenure could be deemed unreasonable, especially when the grassroots are of the view that this is being abused by the leadership to deprive members of the opportunity to serve.

“I can also give you examples of double standards - (a certain individual) has served five terms, but lost in the general election.

"Yet, the person has been allowed to continue to serve...even given a ministerial post although the state under his leadership was lost to the opposition.”

Problems for candidates

Chua was also asked to comment on a purported electoral pact between him and another former vice-president Chua Jui Meng.

Wags had promptly dubbed it the ‘Chua-Chua’ team against likely opponents in the ‘Ong-Ong’ team of Tee Keat and Ka Chuan.

Chua, however, poured cold water on the prospect, saying: “(Just because Jui Meng, right ) is contesting the presidency post and me, the deputy, it does not mean that we have struck a partnership.”

In addition, he was critical of the media for having persisted in slotting contenders into Teams A and B to rationalise their claims in reports, saying this has created problems for the candidates.

He further rebuked those who see him and Jui Meng as “party veterans without government posts” who will be up against rivals with cabinet portfolios - Tee Keat (left) helms the transport ministry, while Ka Chuan (right) is the housing and local government minister.

“You should not categorise any leader as a ‘party veteran’ (merely because they were once ministers),” Chua argued.

On reform within the party and its future role, he said MCA must recognise that it now has a challenger in the Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition.

“The party must deal with this and throw out strategies that are outdated and ineffective, while adopting more effective ones,” he said.

Asked to reveal his campaign strategy to pull in votes, Chua said delegates should judge him on his track record including his performance and capability as a leader.

His manifesto is themed ‘Be the force of change’ for MCA to achieve "real politics, real influence; real equality, real rights; and real socio-economic growth".

Chua had served the party and government for 25 years before he quit politics earlier this year.