Although power struggles are not new or novel in the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), the upcoming party polls will be unique in the sense that it will be almost a free-for-all contest from top to bottom.

For those whose hearts and minds are still with the MCA, the contests are a sign that democracy and freedom of speech are alive and kicking in the second largest ruling party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

They probably take pride in what they see as a fact that MCA is more democratic and tolerant of divergent views than its three other major allies, namely the United Malay National Organisation (Umno), Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and Gerakan, as well as its traditional nemesis Democratic Action Party (DAP).

Seen from one perspective, it is true that the contestants and their supporters are much energetic and passionate in expressing their views now than their fellow politicians in the other parties.