I have been hearing many accusations levelled by Team B MCA against Team A, and vice versa. In my opinion, both factions are rotten and there is no more hope for MCA. It is just a tool of the anti-democracy and anti-human rights policies of Umno.

Team A, led by Dr Ling Liong Sik, has always been anti-democratic and anti-press freedom. From its takeover of the Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press as well as its arrogant attitude towards the protestors and Chinese Malaysian civil society, it is no better than Umno which did the same to Utusan Melayu in the 1960s. Although Team B also protested, it is only because of its own interests in the party being threatened. Team B is also anti-democratic for its support of the Internal Security Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act.

Now that Team B is back in power until 2005, would Lim Ah Lek, Chua Jui Meng, Chan Kong Choy and Ong Tee Keat ensure that MCA withdraw its financial and political control of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press ? What about The Star ? Would these MCA-owned newspapers give fair coverage to the opposition? If they cannot advance the cause of press freedom, Team B can indeed be branded as opportunists and hypocrites.

Team B, knowing it cannot win, invited Umno to suspend the party elections of MCA. It has set a very dangerous and anti-democratic precedence. It has insulted many MCA members and supporters. Moreover, after Umnos intervention put it back to power, its leaders conveniently brushed aside the phantom members debacle. Where are their honesty, accountability and responsibility? Many feel betrayed by Team B.

On the other hand, why did Team A back down, knowing that it was going to win the party elections? It must have been threatened by Umno. How can we trust Team A if it is so timid?

If MCA cannot protect its own dignity and honour, why should it expect the people to entrust it with the duty and responsibility of advancing the interests of the people? In short, the entire MCA is useless, rotten and sterile.