MCA, the second largest component party of the Barisan Nasional coalition, celebrates its 60th anniversary today.

Founded in 1949, the party is confronting its biggest challenge yet following the 2008 general elections with its parliamentary strength slashed to 15 seats from 40 contested.

Ong Tee Keat, 53, elected as the eight MCA president in October last year is facing tremendous pressure to carry out reforms within the party, aggravated by an electorate which is rapidly losing confidence and patience towards the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

Under such circumstances, can MCA’s top echelon leaders - known for their bitter power struggle and resistance to reforms - be able to transform the party before the next general elections?

Will the current anaemic power struggle between Ong and his estranged deputy, Dr Chua Soi Lek, derail the party’s plan to regain its lost electoral ground or perhaps even restoring its former glory in the Malaysian political arena?

Former MCA headquarters’ research and planning department head, STANLEY KOH, who has just completed a year stint as senior analyst for Malaysiakini’s Digital Library , attempts to provide an insider view into the party woes.