MCA CRISIS

MCA Circus III

The above caricature by Lat portrays vividly the MCA circus II.

There are indications that the show is coming to an end. The ring master has appeared and all the clowns, acrobats, actors and actresses have already appeared for the grand finale. And again the audience is waiting anxiously for the final performance which will be under the command of the ring master.

This time around there is no Tun Ghafar Baba but Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has taken over the role of putting MCA on track again. Hopefully, he will be spared the role of Acting MCA President to ensure that the greater unity plan, "GUP" is in place. The secret formula of resolving the crisis would be in place when the PM, Dato Seri Najib Razak returns.

Apparently, one of the components of the formula is to have fresh polls and let the delegates make their choice as indicated by CSL and LTL. This has caused everyone in the top leadership and CC members worried. The big question uppermost in their minds is whether they would be re-elected. Those who had lost previously will definitely take the opportunity of making a come back. All kinds of alignment and re-alignment will surface with the usual horse trading. Of course there will be lists of menu "Chai Tans". It will not be surprising that veterans, and "tok dalangs" will be seen playing a crucial role.

But what is most important is the MCA's availability of a team of leaders that can provide a strong leadership which can regain the respect, dignity and confidence of the people. Does MCA have the leaders who can be at par with the other top leaders of BN component parties particularly UMNO? For example, they should be able to command respect and support from the BN back benches instead of being ridiculed ?

As for maintaining cordiality and rapport with the Chinese community leaders the present crop of top leadership leaves much to be desired. The top Chinese community and business leaders made an attempt on 16/11/09 at a dinner to help resolve the crisis but to no avail. Whether any secret formula was put forward or not at the dinner was not known. The traditional spirit of elders of the Chinesese community assisting in resolving disputes was probably ignored. Consequently, the Chinese community and business leaders will ignore MCA and hence have no role to play in future.

In conclusion, will MCA continue to play an effective role in the government? Or will it merely portray Chinese representation in the government?