Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
News
The MCA fight is on, get a ringside seat
Published:  Sep 10, 2013 9:22 AM
Updated: 3:12 AM

YOURSAY 'A full-blown war between Chua and Liow was always going to happen. What started out as a mutually beneficial ploy to oust Ong Tee Keat...'

Chua vs Liow - from 'cold war' to 'open warfare'

your say Ferdtan: In politics, a week is a very long time. So MCA deputy chief Liow Tiong Lai, it looks like you have not learnt much.

When MCA was almost wiped out in the last GE, the party presidency's post was ripe for the taking, you didn't push hard enough. All the members were baying for blood against the party chief as he was deemed to be responsible for the disastrous results.

Initially the momentum was strong from your supporters. Then Chua Soi Lek, under pressure declared that he would not be seeking for re-election which was supposed to be held at the end of the year.

That calculated move was to stop the relentless attacks on him to buy more time to consolidate. And you, Liow, an experience politician, fell for it hook, line, and sinker. It looks like he may be running again for the post or at worst; he may be the king maker for his chosen successor.

The moral story is never trust a politician's words. PM Najib Razak needs to learn from this episode - it may apply to him too; whatever assurances he may get from Dr Mahathir Mohamad, they were merely words from a politician (former in this case).

Toffeesturn: MCA battles have always been bloody, it's a winner take all situation, and there are no holds barred. Why?

The answer is very simple. After you have become MCA president and served Umno faithfully you will be rewarded no end.

But all MCA president must serve Umno well. You fight Umno and out you go. It has happened time and again. There was the case of Lee Kim Sai, and the recent one involving Ong Tee Keat.

This bloody battle will go on. Chua will not give in as he hasn't made his buck yet and there still is a lot more to make. That is why after telling everyone to step aside from taking government posts, he accepted the role of chairman of the Penang Port Commission.

Changeagent: A full-blown war between Chua and Liow was always going to happen. What started out as a mutually beneficial ploy to oust Ong Tee Keat has now been exposed for what it really is - a marriage of convenience that was based on mutual loathing, distrust and disrespect.

It is only surprising that the uneasy relationship between them had lasted this long, considering that they both have sinister motives to outmaneuver each other and take ultimate control of MCA.

MCA Member: It is pure and simple. A party whose delegates elect a morally compromised person as president does not deserve respect from not only the Chinese but from everyone. The central delegates are also people of questionable integrity.

Many of these leaders have been given benefits by the president so much so that they are obliged to vote for him. It is a corrupt party.

For MCA to survive, it not only must be changed into a non-race based party but the constitution must also be amended to allow direct election by ordinary members for central delegates upwards until the presidency.

As it is now, most members are dormant or cannot be contacted, hence allowing a very small group of people to control the party from branch to national level.

To really encourage reviving members' interest in the party, the power must genuinely be returned to the hands of the members.

Headhunter: This is just like fighting over a road kill. The best option is for both to resign and let younger members take over and re-brand the party. Otherwise it's the same old tired faces doing the same old routines which eventually will kill off MCA.

CSL (Chua Soi Lek) is shameless in trying to hang on as captain to a sinking boat that he personally run aground.

Onyourtoes: Liow, you must understand CSL - he is not MP and has no government position except that insignificant and miserable Penang Port Commission job.

What do you expect? How can he let you fellows enjoying more perks and ministerial positions than him?

MCA still has a lot of assets and being its president certainly helps. He knows MCA is screwed, now is the time to make hay while the sun shines.

Shanandoah: MCA and MIC and all other supporting parties in the Barisan are irrelevant to Umno Baru. They are not needed in government.

Umno Baru alone will call the tune and their partners must have to dance accordingly. Is it not so?

Thana55: I really do not know what these two renegades are fighting for. They are no more representatives of their community. Maybe they are gunning for the MCA assets.

I hope there are checks and balances in the constitution to prevent any of them stealing the party's assets.

Newday: Whoever wins the presidency of the party (between the two quarreling leaders), MCA loses and Malaysians of Chinese origin will neither benefit nor suffer. They have since 2008 given up on MCA.


The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .    

ADS