MCA desperate but unlikely to quit BN, say analysts

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:42

By Patrick Lee and Teoh El Sen

PETALING JAYA: The apparent shift in the mindset of MCA as evidenced by its bold call for economic liberalisation shows that it is desperate for political survival, say analysts.

One even believes that the party may leave Barisan Nasional as a result.

“There is a definite possibility of that (quitting the BN), although it would depend on the results of the next general election,” said Ong Kian Ming, University College Sedaya International (UCSI) political analyst.

“The same goes for MIC and Gerakan. If they continue to be bullied by Umno, they might just leave.”

However, several others were sceptical about MCA taking a bow from the coalition.

“Almost all of them (MCA leaders) have government positions,” said James Chin, political analyst at Monash University Kuala Lumpur.

He added that if these leaders pulled out of the BN, they would have to concede their positions as well.

“The role of the MCA is to provide a Chinese voice in the government,” Chin told FMT, adding that if the party were to leave BN, then it would have no place in Malaysian politics.

UIA law professor Abdul Aziz Bari said it was unlikely that MCA would leave the coalition, or even survive if they do.

"I don't see them leaving. Would it make any difference? I think if they left, it would be even worse. They survived because of Umno. I don't see the logic of MCA leaving,” he said.

However, MCA's actions may have put them in a Catch-22 situation. Said Abdul Aziz: "Until and unless MCA is prepared to leave the BN, people are not going to believe a word they say."

Khoo Kay Peng, an independent analyst, said that MCA is not in tune with the Malaysian Chinese psyche.

“All the Chinese want is to be treated as equal citizens, or be given equal rights,” he said, adding that 70% of Malaysian Chinese doubted MCA's ability to perform.

“It is all a show. MCA already has a problem of credibility,” said Abdul Aziz. “From the PKFZ (Port Klang Free Zone) scandal to (MCA president) Chua (Soi Lek) putting his own son in charge of MCA property, these things have failed to impress the community.”

MCA may just lose in the general election

Ong also said that Chua was playing a dangerous game, and this could cause the party the next general election.

“Chua may win marginal votes from the Chinese (community), but would end up losing from the Malay majority seats,” he said.
“They would be lucky if they could even hold on to half (of the parliamentary seats they have now).”
Added Khoo: “MCA is very confused... ”

“If you put them in a spot where they had to choose between their business interests and their political principles, they would choose to protect their business interests.”

“Chua is trying to reposition MCA as a Chinese voice in the BN,” said Chin. “It doesn't matter what resolutions MCA tries to pass,” he said, adding that any socio-economic change was dependent on Umno.

Hosted by the MCA, Saturday's Chinese Economic Congress saw 13 resolutions passed, including the call for the gradual removal of the 30% Bumiputera equity, and the participation of non-Malays in government-linked companies.

The outcome of the meeting was met with sharp criticism by many Umno leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who warned MCA of going against Malay interests.