news analysis MCA watchers are not entirely happy with the party election results that elevated disgraced former vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek to the rank of deputy president.

He could now well return to the cabinet where he was health minister until his resignation from all posts in January, due to an exposé of a sex scandal that was secretly recorded and circulated on DVDs.

Although he stepped down from all party and government posts, he has maintained that the revelation of the scandal was the work of political rivals. His comeback to MCA has, in part, been attributed to delegates protesting the alleged use of dirty tricks to get rid of him.

Still, several people interviewed expressed consternation and deep disappointment that someone with a ‘tainted past’ has been returned to power.

dap economy forum 260906 lim teck ghee “I think it shows how bankrupt the MCA is to elect someone with a sex scandal,” said Lim Teck Ghee, the director of think-tank Centre for Policy Initiatives.

“Any politician in this situation should not run for public office (in the first place). There are other ways to contribute to society, given his background. He should not have stood for elections.”

Business executive Cecelia Chin also voiced her objection: “I feel sorry for MCA. There seems to be no sense of right or wrong among the delegates.”

Siang Chee of Kepong said, “I don’t understand why the delegates voted him in. Every time people see him, it will remind them of the episode.”

Lawyer Ivan Chen was equally disapproving: “The MCA leader should not have made a political comeback. He is sending the wrong signals to our children.”

But the CEO of an international company stood up for the beleaguered leader, saying “Soi Lek should be given a chance. His track record is good (as a former health minister).”

Similarly, former Malaysian Medical Association president Dr K Krishnamoorthy supported the comeback on the basis that Chua had been a “good, effective minister”.

Long-serving MCA central committee member Wong Mook Leong said the stinging remarks are justified.

“In the political arena, it is true there are plenty of leaders who are effective and capable and yet have a clean record. In this country, we had Tun Dr Ismail, Abdul Razak Hussein, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while Singapore had Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.”

ong tee keat interview 230810 04 In an interview, new president Ong Tee Keat was asked when he would decide on recommendations for the cabinet posts traditionally reserved for the MCA.

Refusing to indicate when he would decide, he said: “The mandate was given by the delegates and I must be guided by my conscience and the party constitution.

“I have my own mind. It (the criteria) will depend on many factors. For example, if our representatives have a record, they will be scrutinised by the government.”

Asked if Chua would be recommended for a government posting, he dodged the question: “(It is) too early to make an announcement now. We will cross the bridge (when we come to it).”

Impeccable conduct required

During the MCA election campaign, Tee Keat received brickbats from Chua’s supporters for having said in a blog post that leaders require moral values.

However, Ong said his intention was not to play the role of the “moral police”, though he stands by his beliefs.

A senior party member argued that Tee Keat should first consider if there are eligible and capable leaders of impeccable conduct.

“There are two categories of leaders, one with a tainted record and the other without. In fact, those without questionable morals far exceed those with a tainted one,” said the insider.

But Tee Keat denied feeling any pressure and was unperturbed but firm on the matter: “It does not mean I will be influenced by political pundits or by pressure from within (the party).”

mca party election nomination day 131008 03 ong ka chuan The scenario is complicated by the fact that former secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan ( left ) no longer holds a post in the party line-up - he lost his bid for the deputy presidency - but he is still the housing and local government minister.

By convention, Chua would replace him as this would also reflect his seniority. However, Ka Chuan’s supporters want him retained in the portfolio and are said to be on a signature drive to support this.

Party veteran and former secretary-general Ting Chew Peh, however, criticised those who have lost in the polls but are now clamouring for posts.

ting chew peh “Why should those who have lost be appointed either to party or government posts? When I lost my bid for the deputy presidency in 2005, I was not given any (party) post," said Ting (right) .

“Neither was Chua Jui Meng. Why must Ka Chuan be made an exception - just because he is brother to the former president Ka Ting?”

Supporting Ting’s reasoning, another insider agreed that newly-elected leaders should be given the opportunity to serve.

Some party members pointed out that the president has been given a mandate to discharge his duties responsibly and effectively, and not to appease anyone.

“We should not forget that the Chinese community is watching us. Who the party recommends and for what post, will affects our (the party) efforts to win their support,” a Selangor delegate said.

Any wrong move by the new leadership will affect the level of confidence and support of the community, particularly when those elected have promised to walk the talk on party reform.

Changing faces has been achieved, but changing values will be even more important, as a member said.

That captures American management guru Peter Drucker’s mantra, ‘Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things’.