Despite being Chinese-based, MCA does not subscribe to 'narrow minded' racism, stressed its president Ong Ka Ting.

"MCA is a purely Chinese political party. But we don't practice narrow-minded racism. On the contrary, we uphold racial harmony and will work with other racial groups and coalition parties (in Barisan Nasional) to achieve a democratic and just society," he said during his speech in conjunction with the party's 57th anniversary celebrations yesterday.

He said no single racial group will be able to govern the country and the multi-racial model is the foundation of the government.

In his hour-long speech at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Ong reminded party leaders to practice a healthy political culture.

"We want all our party leaders to take the initiative and practice a healthy political culture. Only then, the party can be strengthened," he said.

Harmonious MCA

At a press conference later, Ong, who is also housing and local government minister, said the commitment and solidarity of MCA members was good at the moment.

"I can feel and observe the harmony and solidarity. That's why we can carry out the party's various old and new plans," he added.

MCA, had once been the stage of a bitter internal feud, which forced former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to broker a peace deal in 2003.

Following this, Ong and his deputy Chan Kong Choy were appointed under the peace plan to appease the rival factions.

The duo faced their fist party elections last August and managed to retain their posts.

No memorandums

Meanwhile, Ong told reporters that his party preferred to channel its views to the government via the cabinet instead of submitting memorandums.

"The cabinet has several times discussed how to improve the delivery system," he said responding to a question on the statement made by Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Lim said his party will submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to improve the delivery system, including the setting up of an ombudsman at government agencies.

MCA veteran leaders including former presidents Dr Lim Liong Sik and Tan Koon Swan were also present at the celebrations.

Former vice-president Chua Jui Meng, who had challenged Ong for the top post at the last polls, was also there.