No-holds-barred contests from top to bottom in the upcoming MCA elections are a reflection of the absence of legitimacy and authority of the top two leaders who inherited their posts in 2003, said social commentators.

Party president Ong Ka Ting and his deputy Chan Kong Choy took office through a 'peace plan' brokered by then Barisan Nasional chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to settle a long-running power tussle that embarrassed the ruling coalition ahead of a general election at the time.

DAP research officer Liew Chin Tong said the MCA elections would go some way to "sum up" the state of the internal feud which has been simmering for the last six years.

"Ong inherited the presidency through dubious means. The peace plan that excluded (then vice-president) Chua Jui Meng was tabled while Chua was abroad for a meeting (in his capacity as then health minister)," Liew said.

"Unlike in Umno, the MCA president does not control the state machine such as military, police and laws. Besides, Ong is actually acting president (not having been elected) - therefore he can't suppress challenges from other factions.

"Even if Ong wins the election, he still has to convince the party members (of his capability). He has held no political discourse at all, he has only performed technical duties which anyone can do."

Long way to democracy

Social commentator and malaysiakini columnist Lee Ban Chen pointed out that the appointment of the two MCA leaders had been done in "feudalistic" manner.

He said the era of authoritarian and oligarchic politics ended when Mahathir stepped down in October 2003 after 22 years as prime minister.

"This is the best time for the democratisation of political parties and the nation," he said in an interview.

Commenting on the view that the contests are a sign of democracy, Lee agreed that MCA elections are more democratic compared to those of Umno where candidates must obtain a minimum number of nominations from divisions to be eligible to contest.

"There is also more content and quality (in election issues in MCA). This has involved the criticism of phantom voters, money politics, nepotism, culture of undemocratic appointment, menu politics and open declarations (of support)," he said.

He pointed out that "MCA needs to break the monopoly of interest groups over party resources such as finance, party and government posts".

Community concerns

Liew said the party election would have no effect on issues that affect a "disappointed" Chinese Malaysian community.

He accused MCA of 'technify-ing' problems. For example, he said the party has diverted the focus from root causes of problems affecting Chinese schools by highlighting the number of schools built or relocated annually.

Lee said MCA should take its direction from community views since it claims to represent its interests.

Instead of exploiting the representation for personal interests, the party should clearly state its agenda for the Chinese Malaysian society, he said.

"We (Chinese society) need to criticise the undemocratic culture in the party in order to make the election meaningful," he added.

On secretary-general Ting Chew Peh's decision to challenge Chan, Liew said Ting has the image of "a gentle scholar rather than a charismatic leader".

He said Ting has not utilised the party machine to build grassroots support although he has held his post for 15 years. Also, unlike Chua, he has not unveiled an election manifesto.

"But his seniority in the party is an advantage over Chan. The legitimacy of the Ong-Chan faction would be challenged if Ting and Chua manage to secure one-third of the votes," said Liew.

Lee, however, has doubts as to whether Ting can bring democracy into the party.

"Can he give up the pursuit for party and government posts and uphold democracy? This might be an impractical expectation," he said.

The MCA elections are scheduled to be held next month.