Selling the 'reform' mantra to MCA

The word ‘reform’ is the mantra being bandied about by MCA candidates running for top posts in the upcoming party elections in less than two weeks.

Vice-president Donald Lim Siang Chai, a UK-trained chartered engineer who is among the trio gunning for the No 2 post, is no exception.

Speaking to Malaysiakini yesterday, he elaborated on “repositioning” the MCA, claiming that he had found consensus for this at the grassroots while on a nationwide campaign trail.

“After the general election (in March), I met with a number of scholars, businessmen and foreign envoys to hear their views. I also read related publications. I realised that the general election will go down as part of the experiences of countries moving to developed status,” he said.

“I have travelled widely and met some 80 percent of the delegates and party supporters. Many agreed with me that the party must reform… When I was in Permatang Pauh (during the by-election campaign), a char kway teow (fried noodles) seller told me that changes (even to this popular dish) were needed to attract customers.

“Times have changed. I have also talked to many young bumiputeras. They are not happy and don’t agree with many government policies such as (disposal of) Malay reserve land, (as) they can’t sell this off easily (because the policy is designed to protect Malay-based assets).

“They think differently now… they have a strong mind of their own. Besides wanting a peaceful and prosperous society, they want fair, responsible and transparent governance (that favours multi-ethnic policies).”

Little wonder then that Lim’s manifesto, in a format of an open letter, carries a prominent message - ‘Reform the party and Barisan Nasional’ (BN) - and has been widely circulated to central delegates and his supporters.

This is perhaps a response to his loss of the Petaling Selatan parliamentary seat in March even after a seemingly secure three-term tenure.

“MCA must return to its fundamentals, (placing) politics as its top agenda. We must shed the image of being a cultural, education and welfare body. We must focus more - at least 50 percent of time and effort - on the political direction (now).”

Asked why he had not raised such matters until after MCA’s drastic general election losses, he replied: “I have said this before, (but) saying the right thing at the wrong time is wrong.”

He was frank about leadership failures under MCA president Ong Ka Ting, who himself will not be seeking re-election.

“I have asked many delegates to recite from memory the main features of the nine-point blueprint (Ong’s brainchild) … and they could not. This is an example of failed leadership. Moreover, the Chinese community has shown little interest in activities (linked to the blueprint),” he claimed.

The points encompass a healthy political culture; lifelong learning; revitalisation of education; Chinese-language education; economic competitiveness; development and promotion of culture; development of new villages; creating a just and caring society; and achieving the Rakyat Malaysia concept.

Rumour dismissed

Lim was also asked to comment on recent allegations that he had tried to persuade former vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek to contest the presidency instead of making a comeback to the position he had quit after a sex scandal in January.

It was widely speculated that, had the purported secret talks succeeded, Lim would withdraw his candidacy on Oct 13 (nomination day), paving the way for Ong Ka Chuan (Ka Ting’s brother) to win the deputy presidency unopposed.

However, Lim dismissed the rumour: “I decided to contest the deputy’s post in May at a press conference that was held to ask Ka Ting not to re-contest the presidency. I feel that the deputy’s post is more appropriate for me.

“I will not withdraw my candidacy and I will not accept any appointments (regardless of who wins the presidency). I have already accepted an invitation for a debate on Tuesday with the other contenders (for the deputy presidency) organised by Nanyang Siang Pau and Ntv7. ”

Lim was confident of his chances in the party polls, saying that delegates are discerning and will vote in a team, even if candidates stand on their own merit and without being backed by an electoral pact.

He said that experiences culled from his stints as parliamentarian in a middle-class constituency and decisions he made as deputy minister in the tourism and information ministries would add to his credentials.

For instance, while in the information portfolio, he changed the Mandarin news slot from 6.30pm to 8pm “according to the wishes (of Chinese viewers)”.

“I also set up a Chinese desk in (national news agency) Bernama . And in (state-owned broadcaster) RTM , we managed to change (Mandarin radio channel Radio 5) to AI FM .”

While Lim was parliamentary secretary to the Transport Ministry under then party boss and minister Dr Ling Liong Sik, a key achievement was the approval of AirAsia operations.

This, he explained, was partly in response to complaints by MPs from Sabah and Sarawak “who could not get seats during parliamentary sessions and festive periods”.

Relationship with Umno

Among past decisions that continue to rankle party leaders and members was the purchase of Nanyang Press Holdings Bhd and China Press in May 2001.

This was steamrolled over the objections of a significant segment of the Chinese Malaysian community which feared for the editorial independence of two newspaper products - Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press .

“The president (Ka Ting, right) should apologise to the Chinese community if he made a mistake (in masterminding the purchase). He was the chief spokes(person) during the debate on Nanyang (at an extraordinary general meeting),”said Lim, reiterating his stance.

“In his speech, Ka Ting said Nanyang would be made the biggest newspaper company in Southeast Asia. Instead, its shares have been sold in stages. He must explain the loss of RM100 million, as reported by central committee member Wong Mook Leong.”

(This was in reference to a decision by MCA in October 2006 to sell 21.02 percent of its 44.4 percent share in Nanyang Holdings to Ezywood Options Sdn Bhd.)

On the role and relationship between MCA and BN dominant partner Umno, Lim said he was confident that Umno would overcome its current turmoil and make the necessary changes to remain relevant.

“Umno has wise and capable leaders. Umno and MCA both have to be strong to survive. This message has to be sent out to state, division and branch levels.”

Asked if MCA should withdraw from BN, Lim disagreed. He contended that this could push Chinese to support the opposition, resulting in the ruling coalition being dominated by Malays and the possibility of racial tension.

“I think that MCA should stay in BN. Umno should realise (by now) that they can no longer divide and rule,” he added.