comment It is common knowledge both within and without party circles that MCA has a poor track record in advocating civil liberties and political rights.

In relation to contentious issues like the Internal Security Act (ISA), which civil society views as undermining the rule of law and fundamental principles of human rights, MCA has always preferred to stay uninvolved.

It is therefore not surprising that the public is now asking, ‘Why the sudden deluge of press statements and protests from MCA leaders over the latest arrests?’

Seputeh member of parliament and Selangor executive councillor Teresa Kok from DAP and MalaysiaToday editor Raja Petra Kamarudin are in custody.

Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, 33, was released after 18 hours. A certain state MCA has reportedly credited party president Ong Ka Ting with having convince the prime minister and his deputy to release her.

chua soi lek syed hamid albar Former vice-president Chua Soi Lek (left) - now making a political comeback - claims he had contacted Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar (right) .

“MCA is against the use of ISA against any journalists,” claimed Chua.

Ironically, when Ong was deputy home minister under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s premiership, he had not protested against the ISA.

operasi lalang ops lalang In October 1987, more than 100 politicians including many MCA leaders, educationists and social activists were detained under the ISA.

However, MCA did not see the urgency to initiate reforms or negotiate within Barisan Nasional to repeal or review the law.

Malaysians do not have to read the tea-leaves for plausible reasons to explain the loud protests now, bearing in mind that party polls are about a month away.

Witnessing the reaction, a cynic quipped: “It looks like MCA, sounds like MCA but it’s probably not MCA.”

Even insiders are aware that the party’s track record - at internal discussions or debates - is shoddy. Election campaigns are devoid of a platform on civil liberties and saddled with ideological inconsistencies.

Change of stance?

Civil liberties aside, MCA has never been seen by the public as a protector of democratic principles particularly legitimate dissent and public rallies.

The leadership has embraced the policy of ‘developmentalism’ that dishes out government funds for infrastructure. It has repeatedly ignored repeated calls from civic-minded NGOs to reform draconian laws detrimental to democratic space.

ong ka ting A news headline last November said it all: ‘Ka Ting braves Hindraf rally to attend event’. The event was more important than a rally to address a community’s grievances. It is hard to recall any MCA leader publicly petitioning the release of the Hindraf leaders detained under the ISA.

Assuming the reform mantle after the party’s heavy setback at the general election, Ong told Sin Chew Daily , “It is time for the government to review the ISA and the Official Secrets Act. The MCA will propose various measures and policies that should be implemented through BN meetings.”

The MCA has decided to involve itself after 48 years of silence. Better late than never, some argue. It’s probably down to Malaysians comparing DAP and MCA in their consistency and determination in challenging undemocratic laws.

James Madison in the US Federalist papers provided a plausible description of our government today: “The accumulation of all powers - legislative, executive and judiciary - in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of Tyranny.”

ong tee keat interview 210508 Hence, presidential candidate Ong Tee Keat (vice-president and transport minister) was partially correct when he voiced disagreement with arrests.

“On the detention of Kok and Raja Petra, I believe the nation has sufficient legal means to maintain law and order, and (the police) did not need to resort to ISA,” he reasoned.

Other potential candidates are echoing the sentiment. They include Chua Jui Meng, Fong Chan Onn (vice-president), Ng Yen Yen (Wanita head), Wee Ka Siong (Youth secretary-general) and Fu Ah Kiow (publicity chief).

Presidential hopeful Fong Chan Onn disagreed with the detention of the reporter saying, “She was only carrying out duties assigned to her.”

ng yen yen Surprisingly, Wanita chief Ng Yen Yen took the strongest exception: “Very obvious that the ISA can be abused under certain circumstances.”

The clamour will only increase as the MCA elections approach, with review of the ISA being a key discussion point in the campaign.