Anything goes in race for MCA chief

A rich menu of campaign tactics, including the dirty variety, have been adopted by the various MCA factions to give themselves more than just a fighting chance for a win in the upcoming party elections, especially for the presidency.

The list includes high-tech campaigning tools, strategic think-tanks, food-for-thought banquets, special media interviews, wheeling and dealing, character assassination, psychological warfare, public relations campaign and discreet negotiations - all designed with one single-minded objective: to win the presidential election.

As leaders busy themselves trying to finalise their team mates in anticipation of the March 22 nomination day, there is the usual calm before the storm before its time to hit the campaign trail.

Malaysiakini continues this series of interviews with f ormer MCA Research and Planning head Stanley Koh giving his views on the top candidates for the post.

Since his announcement, former president Ong Ka Ting has touched some raw nerves within the party with the public speculating on his chances at the party polls.

Malaysiakini: What are the general reactions in response to Ong Ka Ting's return to active MCA politics with his declared intention to go for the presidency post?

Koh: The apt term would be "mixed", meaning some positive and negative responses. I tried to focus on getting feedback from some veteran party leaders who had previously held top positions both within the party and the government who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Generally, a majority of them had reservation even though the mission sounded noble and a selfless and out of love for the party.

There are many other ways a past president could help. In an advisory capacity, for example, and more importantly on a non-partisan basis.

A parallel drawn by one was that of a great grandparent in a quarrelsome family.

Chinese wisdom speaks of the invaluable role of such an elder plays in providing, advice and knowledge to the younger generation. This is born out of affection and love for all family members regardless of the right or wrong of those involved in the disputes.

For them, where Ka Ting is concerned as a past president, his return to take on his predecessor whom he had morally supported before is improper, lacks common sense, decorum and wisdom, no matter how noble his intentions.

All concur that the younger generation making up the top leadership has tragically lost common sense as well as discipline.

The on-going drama is unprecedented and as a result decorum and respect for the institution of past presidents has been tarnished.

Do you think Ka Ting's decision was done in haste, prompted or carefully thought out?

I don't wish to be involved in arguing whether it was planned or not. Ka Ting had given a special interview in the Chinese press citing his reasons. It is up to the party members, delegates and the public to judge.

But having said that, we all know that his past leadership had not been impeccable.

The 308 (March 8, 2008) MCA's electoral performance is one. The grievances and grouses of party rank-and-file against his leadership mistakes are on record.

Whatever justifications or reasons given by his proponents leading to the decision had kindled suspicions and fears that a repeat of his leadership mistakes will be judged on polling day.

Don't forget that the party will have to face the Malaysian voters regardless whether his decision was made in haste or was carefully thought out. That is if he wins the presidency.

What are Ka Ting's chances in the contest?

He has good communications skills. Some call it "massaging information". He knows what to say and what not to say or what you should be listening to.

Some claim that lately he had been annoyed with the press using the term "recycled", apparently referring to his decision to re-enter the MCA contest, describing him a "recycled" leader.

The claim was that either he or his aide was instructed to convey the displeasure to the media. I don't know how true this claim is.

Briefly, this is just one example of his leadership style, approach or whatever you want to call it. The character and his leadership style will be the determinants of his chances at an election.

Do you agree that Ka Ting's main rival will be Chua Soi Lek?

Yes, the spotlight will be on these two. Both were from Team A during the Ling-Lim leadership crisis.

Even though this is true, some don't like to be reminded about these facts.

In 2008, it was Team B leaders against each other (Ong Tee Keat versus Chua Jui Meng). Political destiny can be stranger than fiction. The party is reaping the harvest of the seeds the leadership had sown in the past.

What are Tee Keat chances in defending his presidency according to the feedback?

Most will be surprised if he loses because in term of resources, he is best positioned for a victory but cryptically "no".

Who among the top candidates is well-positioned in the campaigning?

Consider this, out of the three candidates (assuming a three-cornered fight), Tee Keat has the most advantage.

Firstly, everybody knows the presidency post is very powerful - he has access to resources in the party headquarters, particularly human resources.

Some claim that a powerful candidate must be backed up by a number of think-tanks. The claim is Tee Kiat has three think-tanks, one drawn from the business circles, the second for propaganda backed by an established efficient network, and lastly for logistics.

And don't forget too, the various web blogspots linked to or aligned to this candidate that helps him to spill venom, demonise and stealthily carry out character assassinations of his rivals.

Looking back, I agree with a complaint from the party veteran that the party is bankrupt of wisdom, discipline and common sense.

This leads me to ask you instead, by the way, do you know whether they have a disciplinary committee now in MCA?

During Ling's tenure, he had ensured discipline during campaigning but unfortunately, now it looks like it's free for all. No wonder, he warned that the fish rots from the head first.

Who among them would make a better president? Assuming there are the three candidates, - Tee Keat, Soi Lek and Ka Ting? Or who can draw back Chinese support?

They all carry some sort of baggage. Tee Keat, has already proven what type of a leader he is and his track record speaks for itself. There is no need to elaborate.

Soi Lek, his one fatal mistake (of being filmed having sex with a woman in a hotel) is being fully exploited by his rivals since 2008 until now and his candidature is being mocked.

He has never been a president before. He belongs to the older generation like Ling Liong Sik and Tan Koon Swan, a different character compared to those from the younger generation like Ka Ting and Tee Keat.

And Ka Ting, like Tee Keat, has a track record as president and delegates can compare notes.

Also many dispute the claim that Ka Ting had actually established unity and stability within the party as stated by former deputy president Lim Ah Lek.

On the other hand, to be fair, we cannot judge Ka Ting's future leadership simply because it has yet to take place, moreover anybody can change or improve or rectify their mistakes.

Unless delegates decide that they had had enough of him.

Having said all that, I don't have much confidence that any of candidates can draw back Chinese votes though I don't dispute they have the ability to unite or stabilise the MCA. That is a separate matter.

Tee Keat once described the party as a ship being swamped by high waves on all sides.

I think he has got it wrong - the ship has already sunk and the passengers have been safely moved to a raft now.

There is always the possibility that this raft sinking too, if care is not exercised.