It was heart warming to read the resolutions that were adopted at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Halls annual general meeting recently. Far from praising the political folly of the Barisan Nasional government, the delegates stood up with praiseworthy audacity to reprimand the various acts and policies of the present government that subverted democratic principles and oppressed constructive dissent from the people.

For the sake of the nations well-being, it is vital that SCAH perpetuates its hold on the democratic philosophy that has characterised its work since its inception almost 70 years ago.

These resolutions are timely and appropriate, as there is an unprecedented development of oligarchic despotism which is fast dominating national politics created by the Mahathir-led regime. Having recognised all the lame excuses of the despotic Barisan Nasional regime, it will be the paramount responsibility of organisations like SCAH to stand up against such undemocratic ploys of a government that is in trouble with the people and democracy.

The Chinese have a long cultural and civilisational history and their religion or way of life — Buddhism and Confucianism — is against any form of despotism and oppression. Under no circumstances must SCAH become a tool of political leaders, particularly the ruling elite.

The ethnic Chinese have a critical role to play in the future of Malaysia as they can exert influence in quelling the appalling tide of political mismanagement that is currently undermining the democratic foundations of the nation. It must unceasingly suppress what might be called the triple curses — corruption , nepotism and cronyism — that have raised their ugly heads in a nation founded in the spirit of independence and freedom.

Malaysians look forward to SCAH as a beacon of democracy within the nation, a friend of the people, and a relentless supporter of rational human freedom. We hope the new leaders of this organisation will be immune to the unceasing effort of an estranged leadership to subjugate it for their political survival.