MCA secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh in his speech

about walking the tight rope between pleasing Umno and giving what Chinese Malaysians want is precisely why the Umno-MCA-MIC formula no longer works.

MCA in the Barisan Nasional has a dual and opposing role in which it finds itself caught. More than often, in order that its position in the coalition is not threatened, it gives in to Umno and sells out o­n the Chinese community.

Umno Youth has a mandate to further the Malay cause and to ensure Malay Malaysians continue to enjoy privileges not because of the disparity in wealth among the races but because it feels Malay Malaysians deserve the special privileges. MCA and MIC work to protect the lot of Chinese and Indian Malaysians respectively in the country. If these are not opposing goals within the coalition, then please tell me what is.

It is no wonder that our nation enjoys a false sense of unity, with which we live to tolerate o­ne another. Ask anyone above 40 and they will tell you that the country is more polarised in terms of race today than it has ever been.

If we continue to allow the BN to rule and govern with its current formula, the country will continue in this downward road towards polarisation. And our elders today will not be around to see the damage they have done by then.

So, Dr Ting thank you for stating the state of affairs in the Umno-MCA relationship. You have spoken the truth and unless the public takes the cue for the next general election, we will continue to place this unreasonable burden o­n the MCA.