MCA has become irrelevant to the Chinese community in Malaysia for a number of reasons.

Right from the beginning, MCA leaders have sold Chinese rights for personal gain, especially ever since Tan Siew Sin was forced out of office. Those who have read the book 'Politics in a Plural Society' by RK Vasil will know what I am talking about.

Secondly, Umno has helped this along by sabotaging attempts by MCA to right the wrongs inflicted upon the Chinese community.

An example of this would be the coerced conversion of a young Chinese girl to Islam in Johor Bahru about 20 years ago - all attempts by MCA leaders led to nought but attempts by the lone DAP state assembly person brought success.

The MCA leadership has even stated that money is more important than rights! What will all this lead to?

The Chinese will not have effective representation in government, leading to alienation and ultimately allowing the opposition DAP to become the voice of the community.

Is this something that Umno looks forward to?