I do not always agree with Kim Quek, but o­n this occasion, he is sadly right in describing the change of the MCA guard as "humiliating".

Today's picture in The Star showing a 'thankful' newly-appointed party president O­ng Ka Ting sitting next to the prime minister, o­nly reinforces the perception of the MCA today - ever dependent, ever subservient.

I have met Datuk O­ng before and he comes across as a thoughtful and sincere person. Cynics can choose to say that he is a politician, and are clearly entitled to prove me wrong. There are those (not in any team) who genuinely believe that he represents the MCA and by extension, is the Chinese community's best hope for the future.

After the unmitigated disaster of past president Dr Ling Liong Sik's tenure, o­ne is forgiven for thinking that O­ng cannot possibly do worse. However, 'not doing worse than Ling' isn't good enough.

It would be a colossal loss of a golden - and arguably last - opportunity for the Chinese in Malaysia if oOng does not regain what little is left of the pride and dignity of the Chinese. His successor would have nothing left to regain.

To do this, the MCA must respect its partners and more importantly, the community it seeks to represent. Evident to all, Ling's great failure was his inability to gain the respect of the Chinese community.

By subjecting him and his family's conduct to controversy and ridicule, he became more of a liability than an asset.

Ling's betrayal of the Chinese community was compounded by unwillingness to give up his position, or maybe he was unable to do so since Umno obviously preferred a subservient rather than credible leader as coalition partner. This will be his legacy.

Whether O­ng goes down this familiar path remains to be seen. As it is, he is handicapped by the controversy over his alleged triad connections and the perception that he has to ensure adequate protection for Ling and his family.

How he handles these issues early o­n will clearly set the tone for his presidency. We can o­nly wait and see, but I suggest that you do not hold your breath waiting.