It is understandable for top MCA leaders to be fighting politically as well as physically, seeing that they have stakes in the system. From the perspective of the civil society, it is actually fortunate that the fight broke out between Team A and B, and is continuing, because it allows ordinary and simple citizens like me to understand the many issues that would have otherwise been hidden from us.

Issues such as the acquisition of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press , the political conspiracy of Dr Ling Liong Sik to form a "strategic alliance" with the boss of Sin Chew Jit Poh , Tiong Hew King and the editorial manipulation of the English-language The Star , would have been covered up had there been no internal or factional fights at the top of the MCA leadership.

However, what I do not understand is that why are there good grassroots MCA members and supporters who have no stake in the crony system but are passionate about the fight. Whoever or whichever faction wins in the coming MCA party election will not change the system of nepotism, cronyism and corruption. The system will still be there to oppress us and our children. Only the 'managers' of the rotten system may be changed.

Would Chua Jui Meng, for example, struggle for the abolition of the annual licensing of our newspapers and the Internal Security Act (ISA)? Would Ong Tee Keat call or work for the unconditional release of ISA detainees? Would Lim Ah Lek, Chua and Ong dismantle the empire of MCA's political business so that money politics would not reign again? Would they give up the ownership of all newspapers controlled by MCA now? Would MCA, under new or changed leadership, dare to oppose Umno openly on issues that negatively affect the ethnic Chinese?

In fact, the rebels are a dangerous lot as far as the interests of the Chinese community are concerned. There is no doubt that they are supported and endorsed by Umno's top leadership to weaken Ling's faction. If they win and take over MCA, they would be more subservient to Umno than Ling and his faction now. For they owe Umno a moral debt or hutang budi .

However, on the other hand, if Ling's faction retains its grip on MCA, it means the current corrupt system will go on indefinitely.

The only way out for good and sincere MCA grassroots members and supporters is to vote for a strong opposition that can provide checks and balances in a system dominated by the rich and powerful. Never mind if it is Keadilan, DAP, PAS or PRM. These parties would not come to power in any foreseeable future, but strengthening their presence in the Parliament and state assemblies will certainly be a step forward to restore governmental accountability to us, the ordinary and small people. I hope more good and sincere MCA members and supporters would see my point.