What MCA and its leaders need most, at 60, is maturity of thought, courage in facing up to the truth, and conviction and confidence in their own ability. What MCA don't need is outside interference including those who insist on deciding how the party should operate, how it should think and even its destiny.

MCA has suffered more than prospered in the 52 years of independence because of leaders who are motivated by self-interest and their own agendas.

Is it in MCA's nature to be subservient, self-effacing and trusting? As a result, they never question motives or actions or even when they are clearly wrong. Does MCA still have to do that now that they are 60?

Isn't that's why they find themselves at odds unable to defend themselves when they were hit by the 'tsunami' in the last general election? Is MCA, as a major component party in BN, paying the price for their fear?

Fear of voicing dissent or questioning authority? Right from wrong? Have they found themselves not equipped to play the game by the rules, which change day by day to favour certain forces?

In adversity, do the MCA leaders still have to depend and run to Umno and its leadership?

Where are the firebrands in the party who questioned, challenged and provoked thought and raised awareness among the people?

Instead, MCA now has tame, insipid politicians with few exceptions. They need to be spoon-fed. Are they to be sycophants in government who dance to the tune, often mindlessly? Where are the innovators, thinkers, movers and shakers? Where are the winners who can realise dreams for a brighter future?

MCA leaders cannot be a force in the Malaysian political process if they don't, can't stand up and meet confrontation head-on, or exchange blow for blow standing on their feet. Don't just run off for patronage and seek refuge in Umno and or its leadership.

Are the MCA leaders so weak and vulnerable to subscribe to this yoke of colonialism? MCA's vulnerability to the powers that be is from within -- raiders disguised as leaders exploiting the membership and nation, including insecure little men who fight back the only way they know, using unfair means if necessary.

Do MCA leaders have so little faith in themselves? Are evil forces at work to undermine MCA's image and performance? To subvert and destabilise their beloved party?

There are apparently no answers, only conspiracy theories and everyone has his or her own. The rumour mills are working overtime, but the truth is out there.

The MCA leadership is bent on moral uprightness. There is no point of MCA leaders going round pulling on the apron strings of Umno.

MCA must never leave themselves vulnerable to attempts to destabilise their beloved party by outside manipulation and domination.