I agree with letter writer Mike Lim in MCAs ineffective withdrawal on the questionable move by MCA in allowing Team B members to withdraw their signatures after they have signed for the move to hold the proposed extraordinary general meeting.

In Malaysia  with the political culture of party-hopping and dealing and counter-dealing  to allow the withdrawal of signature is open to abuse. The signatories were likely approached, given the high stakes involved, and promised money or lucrative jobs or positions to change their position.

Now, with the intervention of the Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, there is a gag order! For democracy to work properly, if there is proper requisition for an EGM, then let the members decide. Any intervention by a third party, especially an outsider regardless of his position, will be unfair to the members in general.

We are now so used to bickering within a party and intervention by elders and so on, then for the sake of so-called national unity and interests, most issues would finally be swept under the carpet. This unhealthy state of affairs will demoralise those who complain of genuine problems as they will not be resolved properly, while encouraging those good at wheeling and dealing, fence-sitters and opportunists.