Generally, annual delegates meetings for political parties are a time for introspection, where delegates, in representing grassroots, suggest ideas for the party leadership.

mca youth agm 201012 cake During the last AGM for MCA Youth, the announcement that the wing would be admitting women members took centre stage.

Although the plan was badly executed, drawing sexism charges , it still was a recognisable core topic for the movement because it represented a step forward towards gender equality.

This year however, it would appear that focus of MCA Youth AGM was not itself but the flaws of its opponent - Pakatan Rakyat.

Pakatan and its component parties are mentioned by name in only two out of the AGM's 16 motions, yet the debates were concentrated almost entirely on the coalition, especially the DAP.

“PAS has never changed its stand (on hudud) but DAP’s stance prior to the 2008 general election is the same as ours – to oppose hudud.

“But after the election, we see DAP turning its back on its principles,” said Selangor delegate Ng Kok Kiang while debating the wing's chief opening address.

He also urged delegates to support DAP chairperson Karpal Singh for being the sole DAP leader speaking out against PAS’ hudud.

Mustering bravery

Even Malaysiakini received a subtle mention in MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong opening speech that a certain “electronic media” had asked him why MCA is still playing up the “stale” hudud issue, before proceeding to explain why it must be opposed.

After each punch line slamming the opposition parties, delegates would clap and cheer, complemented by colourful banners criticising Pakatan Rakyat’s policies adorning the walls and pillars of the MCA headquarters.

mca youth agm 201012 wee ka siong 02 However, the response appeared less enthusiastic when dealing with issues where Pakatan are not involved.

During the debates, Kedah delegate Lee Yen Wang mentioned that he did not dare to wear his party uniform since the 2008 general election, where MCA suffered one of its worst defeat in the party’s history.

“I started being active in politics since 2007, but in 2008 we suffered a major setback to the point that I did not dare to wear my party uniform.

“But today let’s wear our party uniform outside, not just to promote MCA but to attack (the opposition),” he said.

Low turnout

Another delegate, Poon Yip Hoon who represents the federal territories, said urged party members to have faith in the party and congratulated those who are present, because it shows that they still have hope in the party.

“I urge all of you to install an 'app' called 'MCA has hope' in your brains and believe that MCA can deliver.

mca youth agm 201012 10 “During the Bandar Tun Razak anti-fish bone pylon protests, we did not dare to wear party uniforms to meet the people.

“Why? It seemed that everyone did not believe that our party can contribute to the Malaysian Chinese community,” he said.

The lack of enthusiasm was also reflected in the number of delegates present.

The AGM’s chairperson Loke Yuen Yow had announced that 721 delegates were present, which meets the quorum of 200 persons.

However, there are 1,724 representatives, meaning that there was a 58.2 percent absenteeism rate.

Quizzed by reporters on the turnout shortly after the AGM ended, Wee ignored the question and walked off.