MCA: Chua-Chua vs Ong-Ong?

In the upcoming MCA party polls the contest for the posts of President and Deputy President appears to have aligned party stalwarts, Chua Jui Meng and Dr Chua Soi Lek (both of whom are erstwhile Health Ministers) against Ong Tee Keat and Ong Ka Chuan.

This contest for the top 2 party posts comes in the wake of MCA's debacle in the March 8 General Elections that saw many of MCA's parliamentary candidates topple. It was likely a case of negative sentiments against the present BN leadership. More significantly, it also signalled that the Chinese community could not find any resonance with the crop of MCA leaders.

Ong-Ong

In his MCA career, Ong Tee Keat has come across as an independent who has deftly steered the choppy waters of MCA's factional politics. He has also been able to parlay his giant-killing reputation (if you call defeating an old, tired and controversial Datuk Harun Idris a giant) to reach across to non-Chinese constituents with his fluency in Bahasa Malaysia. He has been able to retain a loyal core of support within MCA. His independence is likely to have attracted the attention of supporters of the lacklustre Ong Ka Ting. Ironically, some may see Ong Ka Chuan endorsement of Ong Tee Keat as a signal that the latter has entered into a Faustian pact that goes against his independent streak. In other words, lately Ong Tee Keat has been placed in the unusual position of appearing to be part of the MCA Establishment. By the way, Ong Tee Keat's blog is here.

As for Ong Ka Chuan, his behind-the-scenes reach to core MCA grassroots support is generally credited with gaining the party presidency for his younger brother, Ka Ting. But, in the wake of the March 8 debacle, an overtly MCA Establishment figure like Ka Chuan will have to transform himself into a reformer; unless he does not believe that MCA needs any reforming. This is something many will be measuring him by. Again, the issue may well be, how can Tee Keat claim his independence when he is endorsed by an Establishment figure? Can they both reconcile this? Will MCA members buy it?

Chua-Chua

Chua Jui Meng retired from active MCA politics when his challenge against Ong Ka Ting for the MCA presidency in 20045 failed. But, as with all things circumstances change. Jui Meng may wish to project himself as a leader who can reposition MCA to send a clearer message to UMNO on the need to dial-down ethnic-based policies in favour of multiracialism on the premise that meritocracy and income-disparity are better measures in formulating government policies. UPDATE: (7.20 p.m. 21/9/08) Read the report and interview in Sin Chew Daily.

If this is the case, then Jui Meng may be able to find some additional commonality with Dr Chua Soi Lek. Dr Chua has positioned himself as a vocal proponent of multiracialism. Many MCA members have found his candour refreshing. Dr Chua's dignity in handling the video-tape scandal episode has found him a significant groundswell of sympathy and respect. Add to this the lurking suspicion that he was set-up by party opponents, it is not surprising that one of the MCA parliamentary candidates that survived March 8 was his son. This victory can be interpreted as public support for Dr Chua's leadership and integrity. Cynics may say that he made the public confession of being the man in the video in the hope that all would be forgiven quickly and, he could resume his ministerial and party posts, only that things went awry. But many others will point to the fact that he quickly read the public mood and did the right thing by resigning to widespread public acclaim. Dr Chua's blog is here.

Future portents

A cursory view suggests that Ong-Ong runs the risk of being tagged as the business as usual combination. If not addressed quickly, this tag will be the albatross on the neck for Ong-Ong. But Ka Chuan's control over the MCA party apparatus, as the current Secretary-General, gives him very distinct advantages of incumbency. That reach is very effective and powerful. It is not to be underestimated at all. In fact, it gives Ong-Ong a distinct edge.

Chua-Chua are in an interesting position for being rank outsiders in this contest despite their previously having been Establishment figures. Their challenge comes at a time when the MCA is in ebb tide. Members are in some degree of disarray. The party is finding no resonance with the Chinese community let alone the wider Malaysian community. Lim Guan Eng of DAP has become the Chinese community's superstar, deftly handling state issues and multiracial issues without losing touch with Chinese community issues. Guan Eng's positive and high profile as Chief Minister of Penang puts the leaders of MCA (and Gerakan) in a terrible light.

Is this a case of MCA leaders projecting their hubris replete with lighting and smoke special effects but within the sterile environment of the Chinese Malaysian community? This was the accusation made by Dr Chua against Ong Tee Keat recently. Are the MCA like crew members fighting for captaincy of a sinking ship? I don't think so. The MCA may be injured today. This has happened before (recall the General Election of 1969). That it will survive is not the issue.

The real issue may well be whether the successful candidates can truly engage UMNO in a mutually beneficial cross-fertilization of multiracialism. Indications from March 8 is that the Malaysian polity is shifting inexorably towards non-communal multiracialism where meritocracy and income-disparity are the core issues but, where extra attention is paid to the Malay community by virtue of their population size. But can MCA do so successfully? Read my views in an earlier post entitled, Belling the cat. If not, will MCA leaders have the courage to decouple? These may well be the future issues. UPDATED INSERT (3.50 pm, 21/9/08): For some further context to my point, read Sin Chew Daily's report, Where Should MCA Be Headed To?

Right now, the cynic in me tells me that it's all about cutting, thrusting and stabbing (front and back). Such is politics...anywhere.