Two extraordinary general meetings (EGM) in two months is enough to show how serious are the internal problems facing the MCA. The crisis, which initially was centred on the strained relationship between President Datuk Seri Ong Kee Teat and his former deputy, Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek, has now dragged MCA Vice-President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai unintentionally.
The first EGM, which clearly rejected the leadership of the two MCA top leaders, attempted to pacify the situation with a peace plan, which turned out to further worsen the situation.
Tiong Lai, who become MCA Deputy President for 19 days before Soi Lek was reinstated to the post, rejected the peace plan because it did not involve the party's Central Committee (CC). According to him, the peace plan did not respect the voice of the grassroots and the decision reached at the Oct 10 EGM.
The prolong crisis now calls for another EGM, to be held on Nov 28. Unfortunately, notice of the EGM has been questioned because it is claimed to be invalid as it violates provisions in the party constitution.
Indeed, observing the current conflict in MCA, it is like a Chinese opera, full of drama and plots., but, they are actually the stand of the two key MCA leaders, Tee Keat and Soi Lek. These two senior leaders no longer have the mandate and trust of the delegates, as was passed at the October EGM.
Tee Keat received a no-confidence vote, while Soi Lek was accepted back as a member, but not returned to the number two post in the party.
Undeniably, constitutionally, Tee Keat's action in wanting to defend his president's post after the EGM is not wrong. This is because it is not in compliance with Article 35 of the MCA constitution which requires a two-third majority to sack, elect or appoint anyone.
But, Tee Keat, may have forgotten, in an interview with a English newspaper, he had, among others, said that he would withdraw if he only got an easy majority.
Unfortunately, after the EGM, Tee Keat gave an excuse that he had to remain as president because there were many matters which had to be solved.
To the Chinese community, Tee Keat's refusal to keep his words to withdraw is regarded as without principle and not keeping his promise.
On the other hand, Soi Lek, who created a stir in the country with his sex-video scandal, lost his integrity and trust as a leader among the Chinese community.
The perception of the Chinese community should be given serious attention because they form the voice of the grassroots who will determine the future of the party.
MCA should realised that the confidence for the 60 year-old party among the Chinese community is very critical. After the 2008 general election, the support for the party dropped to only 20 per cent from 40 per cent previous, as gauged by most political bservers.
Among the young Chinese generation and those raised in an urban environment, MCA is seen as having failed to meet their aspirations.
With the internal crisis which doesot show any signs of it ending soon, there is a possibility that only the friends and relatives of the current MCA leaders would support the party in future.
For a local political observer, Malike Brahim, the main focus of the conflict in MCA is not to find out who is eligible or who is right. Instead, said the Senior Lecturer, College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), all MCA leaders should have a high sense of responsibility for the party.
Hence, any decision involving the future of the party should be returned to the grassroots. It includes whether or not there is a need to conduct a new election in the party, which would be decided at the Nov 28 EMG.
It is crucial that the conflict in MCA be resolved immediately as it will not only incur huge losses to MCA, but will also affect Barisan Nasional (BN).
A prolong conflict can result in a major split in MCA. What is feared most is the possibility of MCA members leaving the party to join other parties, especially the opposition.
If this conflict still creates a rift, MCA supporters and leaders will split into new parties. This will be a huge loss to BN and MCA, especially in facing the 13th general election.
This is because the Chinese community may have lost their confidence in MCA, which is seen to be more in conflict and power struggle among leaders, than to serve the people.
Malike also said the failure of MCA to function as a party could result in the possibility of the ROS revoking the party's registration.
If it happens, MCA can no longer function as a political organisation or party, the elected rpresentiatives would be partyless, except as a BN members. With that, the position of MCA members in the government or Cabinet would not be secured.
This is not something impossible because it has happened to several parties in sarawak before. More serious, if this conflict is dragged to the court, which results not only in loss of time and energy, but also involve stricter laws.
Hence, he said, MCA should find the best formula solve the problem, adding that there is no harm in the party hilding a new election to obtain a new mandate from the people. The least to do is for the leaders in conflict to withdraw if they truly strive for the party and to defend the party.
"Let the members and delegates decide on the new leaders to breathe in new life into MCA," said Malike
No comments:
Post a Comment