MCA unlikely to rebuild in time for general election
Support for MCA was once as high as 60 per cent to 70 per cent. Its approval rating among the Chinese now stands at about 20 per cent, similar to the figure at the last general election.
THE STRAITS TIMES
In the face of an unprecedented leadership crisis, MCA uphill task of winning back the Chinese votes just got more difficult.
Three days ago, 2,300 MCA central delegates rejected their top two leaders in a vote, leaving it effectively without a figure of authority for the first time in its 60-year history.
The task of rebuilding the party, which suffered big losses in last year’s general election, now falls on another leader.
Support for MCA was once as high as 60 per cent to 70 per cent. Its approval rating among the Chinese now stands at about 20 per cent, similar to the figure at the last general election.
With a general election expected in two to three years, time is not on its side.
Analysts said it is unlikely the party will be able to rebuild in such a short time or increase its level of Chinese support by much.
MCA will probably concentrate on defending its supporter base and the 15 seats it currently has in Parliament, said Koh Kok Wee, a political commentator on Chinese issues.
Some observers pointed out that MCA might focus on local politics. This will fortify its strongholds, especially in the southern states, but it will not expand its support base elsewhere. “To win back the Chinese it has already lost would be very difficult,” Koh noted.
This is especially so after last Saturday’s debacle at its extraordinary general meeting (EGM), which has sunk MCA’s standing among the Chinese to a new low.
Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is set to resign after narrowly losing a vote of no-confidence against his leadership despite analysts saying he had won hard-earned respect in the community with his dogged pursuit of causes like the Port Klang Free Zone scandal.
“I have received many calls from the Chinese non-governmental organisations, clans and community leaders who told me point-blank that it was better for the MCA to ‘da bao’ (close shop),” MCA veteran leader Datuk Yap Pian Hon was quoted as saying by Bernama. “They said there was too much vested interest in the delegates’ decision, that the community’s interest does not seem important. We can’t save the party from the public perception now.”
The days ahead, however, are likely to remain tumultuous for the party.
Jostling for the post may have already started, even though Ong has not stepped down.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha told Nanyang Siang Pau two days ago that he was willing to lead the party if MCA’s members wanted him to, while people were seen congratulating fellow vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai at a separate event. The duo are said to be the front runners for the No. 1 and No. 2 posts. They could be picked for these posts as early the day after tomorrow, when the party’s central committee meets to decide on the leadership issue.
The Straits Times understands that the central committee favours choosing a new leader from among its ranks, rather than go through fresh party polls. This is allowed under party Constitution.
But others are pushing for fresh elections. This includes ousted deputy Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, who broke his silence yesterday for the first time since the EGM. At a press conference, he urged Ong and the central committee to resign and called for new polls. He declined to say if he would contest.
