opinion

Any newspaper for public consumption should stay away from political party control, directly and indirectly, either through means of monetary interests or injection of funds. However, if a newspaper or publication is published by a specific political party, it should put in bold print that the paper is the official organ of that party.

A diversity of newspapers would give the Malaysian public different views on all matters of public interests and concern. It will definitely help to expose inadequacies in our system of government; injustices can be exposed and corrected by vigilant and courageous investigative journalists and it will also help in advancing an incorruptible and independent judiciary, so vital in a young country like Malaysia, as proven lately.

The winds of change are blowing through the courthouses in Malaysia. But don't judge the government too harshly. Water will ultimately find its own level, so they say.

It seems strange that MCA is not so prudent this time over the Nanyang Holdings takeover. In the past, the MCA leadership had always acted in a measured and wise manner. Today, the MCA leadership appears to adopt a gung-ho policy and a defiant attitude of 'come what may'. Is this a death wish?

It is so sad that the Chinese are not thinking rationally and providing a beacon of light and acting as a stabilising force for other races - the Malays, Indians, Ibans, Dayaks, Kadazans - to emulate and work out their differences through dialogues and the give-and-take spirit.

Whether MCA is right or wrong in carrying out the Nanyang exercise right now very much in defiance of Chinese public opinion remains to be seen. However, can MCA afford to be split into parts and pieces before the next general elections scheduled for 2004 or earlier?

Umno, being a bulwark of the Barisan Nasional (BN) with MCA as a very reliable ally since 1955, is not in the best of political health. Umno is in a strong contest with Keadilan and PAS for the hearts and mind of the Malays. The party is experiencing severe headaches and acute stomach upsets and pains, whilst MCA, faced with a major fight for Chinese opinion, is having convulsions and bleeding internally.

Salient point

MCA leaders must remake this salient point. Dr Ling Liong Sik, who has been party president for the past 15 years must have contributed or done something good to the party, the Chinese community, and the government, otherwise the MCA delegates to the general assembly would not have tolerated him all these years. Directly or indirectly, many in MCA and outside have benefitted from him. Can they deny this?

Why then this sudden uproar after staying in the post as MCA chief for 15 years? Is the MCA leadership tired of his style of work and presentation, or tired of a familiar face and they want a change before next year's party election of new leadership?

Whatever maybe said of Dr Ling and his leadership - good, bad or rubbish - as quite often has been described by some people, one must understand the true nature of Malaysian politics. The delicate and extremely difficult position of the MCA ministers within the BN government can sometimes be considered to be very taxing on their minds and conscience. You are walking on tightrope all the times; you have to balance your thoughts and your responsibilities to MCA and the Chinese community in relation to the government's and other races' needs and sensitivities.

Let me say, it is easier said than done. I hope some of Dr Ling's critics have had the chance to think this through.

I am very sure Dr Ling has tried to summon up his courage and enthusiasm at some cabinet meetings in the past to raise certain critical and sensitive Chinese-related issues such as education but somehow the matter dropped dead for reasons undefined. I believe Dr Ling, like his predecessors in MCA, the late Tan Siew Sin and Lee San Choon, did view the many facets of the problems facing the Chinese in Malaysia in a much broader context.

The Chinese in Malaysia are doing fine and living well. Domestically and internationally, our work ethics, business acumen and reliability as traders are well recognised. The Chinese can be proud, very proud. But the Chinese should also be aware of a new generation of young corporate crooks that will damage the society's standing. The problem is there. It exists. They want to get rich by any means, by any route.

Any far-sighted and responsible Chinese leader in Malaysia should grasp this historical fact and reality, and never be provoked into any rash move with a display of cultural superiority or arrogance.

Hate and anger

Today, it is so stressful and depressing to see MCA and the Chinese community on the threshold of a direct confrontation or on the road to a collision course. All parties involved are Chinese in blood, heart, body and mind. Yet, no compromise is given by all these parties, within and outside MCA. The hate and anger seems to be gaining in intensity.

Daily we are told of road shows by Dr Ling, party vice-presidents Ong Ka Ting and Fong Chan Onn; there is the 'B' Team gang led by deputy president Lim Ah Lek, senior vice-president Chua Jui Meng and Youth chief Ong Tee Keat; now there is the Gerakan gang, headed by president Dr Lim Keng Yaik and his ally, Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon, facing a struggle from deputy leader Kerk Choo Ting's gang from Perak; and last but not least there is the father and son gang from DAP, led by party leader Lim Kit Siang and Guan Eng.

These 'gangs' are nothing but symbols of identification and struggle for prominence and domination. At the heart, it reflects their desire, ambitions, greed and power.

Since a lot of ill-will and hostility have been created and directed towards Dr Ling in the past few weeks or months, it would appear that his position as MCA chief and Chinese leader in Malaysia becomes a bit untenable.

If ever such a situation arises, then Dr Ling should take the graceful way out and say farewell to the MCA, the Chinese community and the Barisan government in a dignified, honourable and loving way. No one can blame him. He has done his best for the party and his service is no longer needed or viable, politically.

Dr Ling could take a useful lesson from the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, our first prime minister. He need not feel ashamed if he has to make a similar move or exit, with honour, respect and love. Do not hang on a day longer than necessary.

After the May 13, 1969 racial riots, the Tunku lost much political support within Umno leadership and rank-and-file party apparatus such as among civil servants and ordinary Malay kampung folks. Initially, the late Tunku did try to put his 'shoulder to the wheel' and address some of the Malay economic and social problems.

But after a few months, he sensed the "hostile, polite hostility" towards his many plans such as the planning of the North-South and East-West highways. All kinds of 'excuses and reasons' were put forward to his plans. People were questioning his ability and sincerity, and the Tunku could not stomach such insinuations.

At this point towards the last quarter of 1969, over Ipoh on the way to Alor Star by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plane, he made up his mind to resign in September 1970. The Tunku kept his exact date of resignation close to his heart for many months, while paying quiet courtesy calls to neighbouring countries as a sign of respect and assuring them of continued friendship from Malaysia. In short, nothing changed except the stewardship, as the Tunku would always say using a horse-racing parlance.

Political oblivion

Dr Ling, if he should ever resign, must be gracious enough to bring all those who have opposed him in MCA together and unite the party and other Chinese bodies outside MCA. Don't run away with any idea that you don't need Chinese support.

That is your lifeline. If MCA does not look after and serve the Chinese community as a whole, including those in opposition, then the future of the party is very bleak and doomed to die and go into political oblivion.

Dr Ling ought not to impose his will and choice as to who should take the reign of the party leadership. Let there be a friendly, open contest among the MCA colleagues, and God help the MCA and the Chinese community in Malaysia if the wrong guys are voted in. In that case, the MCA and the Chinese in Malaysia deserve what they get.

Next week: Tunku and Mahathir - friends or foes?

YAP CHIN KWEE, a former News Straits Times journalist, was the political secretary of Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman from 1963 to 1970. He is a life member of MCA.