DAP vs MCA Ipoh Timur..??

Usually political spats will end up with interesting solutions for some while others more “dirt” out from the cupboard. A MCA veteran in a telephone conversation said to us ,”This Ong and Chua spat is getting nowhere and it will be dragging down the party more. When two elephants go ahead the rests will just watch and see who succumbs but so far its getting worse.

Ong now even dares the President Chua to stand in Ipoh Timur in the Next Ge13. We tweeted,”Winner takes all MCA President Chua Soi Lek vs DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in Ipoh timur in GE13? Mother of all Battles.Both winnable great”

He went further and said,”The press/media smell a kill and they know Ong will be all out to get at Chua. Its a very good political move on Ongs side and Chua would have difficulties wriggling out of this situation. He has though, got himself out from an”embarrasing situation” and also came out tops within the party. But if Lim Kit Siang dares Chua to come to Ipoh Timur that will be a completely different situation. ”

If Lim Dares Chua the greatest beneficiary would be Ong. MCA top guns would need to put their thinking heads on to see whether it is advisable for Chua to go to Ipoh Timur. Chua is a fighter and if he dares takes the challenge MCA knows that their President is a man of his words.

  Will we hear the lasts of this? 

The article below:-

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — MCA maverick Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat suggested his party president and rival Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek run for national elections in the DAP stronghold of Ipoh to prove he is a “winnable candidate”.

Ong, who is also Pandan MP, continued his bitter rivalry with Dr Chua on the micro-blogging social network which started yesterday at the MCA’s 58th annual general meeting.

In a post on his Twitter account, talk2otk, Ong (picture) said: “Wow, Chua Soi Lek claimed he is winnable anywhere. Good 4 him 2 contest in Ipoh Timur or Barat as he is helming Perak MCA.”

Both Ipoh seats are considered DAP fortresses held by two opposition strongmen. Veteran lawmaker and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang is the MP for Ipoh Timur and Ipoh Barat is held by M. Kulasegaran, who is also a DAP vice-chairman.

The former transport minister was responding to Dr Chua’s declaration to reporters last night: “I consider myself a winnable candidate everywhere I go.”

Johor-born Dr Chua was Labis MP before he was forced to resign after a video recording of him having sex with his mistress in a hotel room was leaked to the public.

The visibly annoyed Dr Chua also called on Ong yesterday to quit the party after the latter’s “disparaging remarks” against the MCA’s top echelon.

“Who is CSL 2 demand me 2 resign as MP of Pandan? Mandate came from rakyat, not from CSL,” Ong tweeted his reply today, adding: “My relevance is not 2 be dictated by our maharaja CSL.”

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak has said that only winnable candidates will be fielded by the coalition in the 13th general election, and has hinted that incumbent candidates may be dropped in favour of younger BN leaders.

Dr Chua, who deposed Ong as MCA boss in a fractious power struggle 18 months ago, continues to decline confirming his own candidacy despite revealing this week that several current leaders will not run in the coming polls.

Rumours have also been swirling since February that Ong will be dropped as Pandan MP as he grows increasingly isolated following his defeat to Dr Chua.

In 2008, the married Dr Chua stepped down as health minister and MCA vice-president after admitting he was the man featured in a secretly-recorded video which showed him having sex with his lover.

The Labis seat is now held by his son, deputy minister Chua Tee Yong.

But Dr Chua made a comeback later to win the party’s deputy presidency after the MCA’s top two leaders resigned due to its poor showing in Election 2008. The party won just 15 of 40 federal and 31 of 90 state seats it contested.

The party subsequently sacked Dr Chua in August 2009 over the sex scandal, sparking an extraordinary general meeting where a vote of no-confidence in Ong was passed.

Dr Chua became MCA president in March 2010 in fresh elections where he saw off Ong and former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting.

“MCA Dumping Najib ..??”

This article written by an internet blog is creating more than a little “buzz” in the blogsphere. It seems that there is some sort of reengineering within the BN to ensure that the coalition remains relevant after the GE13. MCA is fighting for their lives and so is UMNO especially so in peninsular Malaysia where the opposition is chipping away daily the strongholds of BN with the help of the rakyat.

There has been too many negative ‘perception’ of Najib eventhough he has been using every ounce of his brain juice to correct the wrongs but its been too much of a heavy baggage attached to it. Words circling in the political landscape is that Najib is not getting the support of the UMNO warlords and they too fear for their lives. They need to do it now or else risk losing control of Putrajaya after GE13.

Najib in turn needs to do something fast. Najib is fighting for his political life and the sooner he shakes out those who are against him his position is not secured. The fuse is lit and its only a matter of time Najib is ousted.

Our sources in MCA think tank says we must know that Malaysia politics is very fluid at the moment and if UMNO warlords sees the need they will chop and change without blinking even an eyelid. Any truths in the report is for you to make your own assessment:-

 LITTLE BIRD FROM MCA SAYS All is not well within the Barisan Nasional coalition of parties as party warlords start consolidating their alignment with Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Coalition party leaders, especially those from the MCA, had started aligning themselves with the deputy BN chairman in anticipation of Muhyiddin’s expected rise.

“This buying of ‘political insurance’ is necessary following growing scandals and the bumbling in handling issues by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration,” said a little bird from MCA.

“Have you not noticed how deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and youth chief Wee Ka Siong are scrambling to be seen in the company of Muhyiddin as frequently as possible?

“Both of them actually have their own agenda but the pressing need is to prepare for Najib’s possible exit.

“As for president Dr Chua Soi Lek, it is a shoo-in. Chua’s long-standing political base in Johor has given him the edge in relations with Muhyiddin.

“Not only that. Chua also has strong ties with Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, also another Johor-based politician.

“Much speculation has been posted in blogs regarding the Chua-Hishammuddin ties linked to the Ecovest top brass. Ecovest is diversified company with much business interest in Johor, especially in Iskandar,” said the MCA insider.

The party insider said the political development and efforts to be seen in the good books of Muhyiddin showed the trio were prepared to dump Najib and declare their support for the rise of the deputy premier.

 IS NAJIB READY TO TAKE ACTION..??

101010 “Najib Quashes the Word Pendatang”

Don’t tell me you don’t agree now.? The PM Najib is quoted here to say this, Read for yourself. It’s not made up mind you,Najib said”I don’t agree with the term pendatang (immigrants),” he said in reference to the popular derogatory term used to describe the Chinese community.

“Yes, you came here at one time, but that was three, four, five generations ago. Now, you are all loyal citizens of the country,” he said to a loud applause. 

Maybe now with these ‘Axx-licking”posts, audie61 is beginning to see the “datukship coming” as commented by some loyal readers of the blog. HAhahahahaha……

The whole article can be read here..http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/barisan-nasional/11381-pm-tells-mca-to-curb-its-communal-tendencies

Chua-Ong “Ultimately Snake King”

Isn’t he justs that..Snake -King..? Chua in Hockien pronunciation can mean Snake while Ong “King or Powerful” Chua Soi Leck against all odds have come back and within two years have seen off the Ongs. Firstly he tussled with elder Ong and Ka Chuan was defeated by him for the Deputy Presidency Posts.

Younger Ong Ka Ting and Former MCA President and Incumbent MCA President Ong Ka Ting are both shown also the exit doors. Of course not without going through a tough election process whereby the DVDS surprisingly or deliberedly made an appearance again..Hmmm

How did Chua do it? How did he manage to Coax or have 900 odd delegates on his side to wrestle it away from two heavyweights. Just a couple of notes  for the defeated MCA candidates to ” TAPAU ” back. Just get your facts right and do not forget that the delegates are using every opportunity to see whether you are worth their vote. We know thats its only a small factor but dont you agree even “a small snake bite will be enough to hurt and maybe kill you. 

We pick this up from an Interview done by Malaysiakini TV and Ong Ka Ting said,’ After 3rd of March a lot of time have been wasted..Huh! Wrong date ” and Ong Tee Keat “Unfortunatedly there are too many Spin doctors”   One got his facts all muddled up while one is blaming the internet blogs,main stream media for his follies.

Khairy Jamaluddin interestingly enough even said that nowadays we have to move away from politics of yesteryears and use the mind and the right knowledge in this Brand of New politics with a different approach to win over the new voters. 

Votes win any elections.  Of course the MCA party delegates deep down in their hearts know who is sincerely true in bringing reforms and to get the party out of the crisis. The two Ongs fought each other but the bite from Chua was enough to see both of them off. Chua Soi Leck has paid the price and he has come out stronger and more determine to ensure that MCA remains relevant and his agenda is simple,”Inclusive and Collective”.   

His tasks has just begun eventhough he has managed to stop the Ongs. He had to fight off both of them and came out victors. Chua edged former president Ong Ka Ting, who garnered 833 votes, by a close majority of 68, while incumbent president Ong Tee Keat only managed to secure 578.

We have had the Scorpion King Movie and can we rule out “Ultimately Snake-King..Not Ananconda please….

MCA Donald”7 Wins And Home Free”

Innovative! Creative! Eye Catching and Certainly a  Plus point for Donald Lim to back a Winner. This is what Paul Scholes of Man.united has to say,”The bottom line is that if we win all our matches we’ll win the league.” Manchester United can win all their remaining seven games to retain their Barclays Premier League crown.

Chelsea,Liverpool and Arsenal MCA voting delegates will need to think twice as Donald Lim is  a big fan of the Manchester United football club. No wonder they always say even now,” FOOTBALL EVERYWAY IS CLOSELY LINK TO POLITICS” Do we need to elaborate further.??

Of course politics is serious business but one must know how to carry the message across to win votes. Donald Lims campaign is no different and we hope he does pull it off at this MCA elections on 28th March 2010.  

Donald Lim also said,”I hope leaders from Selangor will be united. But will the Selangor MCA leaders be united just like Manchester Uniteds team players who will need no extra push or incentives as they look forward to an unprecendented 4th title in a row and also overtaking arch rivals Liverpools 18th Title.

Lim is focusing his attention on Selangor because he said the state was very important to Barisan Nasional. “MCA suffered a huge setback by losing many of our state and parliamentary seats in the general election.”

All the bests Donald Lim from all of us at audie61.

MCA” Scrambling for Posts”

Natasha while having her Kucei Rojak this morning was asked,”Whats your take on the MCA.? Who will Win? Will MCA survive the infighting?Seems everyones talking about it. The mainstream media is full of it and many theories are surfacing. Some say “UNSEEN HANDS” are involved while others say its 2 ONGS vs CHUA and its not the battle of the 3 Kingdoms as such.

The following is an article extracted fully from the inernet portal Malaysiakini:-

Nomination day today for the MCA polls on March 28 concluded, seeing an exceptional number of 101contestants vying for 31 party positions.

A total of ten nominees are going for the four vice-president positions while a record-breaking 86 candidates will be contesting the 25 central committee seats during the elections which will take place as part of an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

Party leaders vying for top positions in the party were all quite unanimous in their talk of unity for the party’s transformation.

However, the tension was evident as all the three presidential hopefuls carefully avoided each another while their supporters engaged in shouting matches and booing their respective opponents.

Although incumbent president Ong Tee Keat and former president Ong Ka Ting arrived within minutes of each other at the MCA headquarters at Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur, they steadfastly refused to acknowledge each other’s presence.

As the two groups approached each other in the building, Ka Ting slowed down and continued to shake hands with his supporters, perhaps avoiding Tee Keat and allowing him to enter the nomination hall first.

While Ka Ting and former vice-president Liow Tiong Lai have announced their support for each other, former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek and Tee Keat have refused to divulge their alignment to any faction if any.

When asked about his running mate, Tee Keat claimed that the word had been ‘lavishly abused’.

“In our system, we do not have ‘running mates’ but our people think that this is similar to the US system and that is not true,” he added.

Chua expressed his disapproval with teaming and grouping up because he felt that it was the source of MCA’s currently fractured state.

Busloads of followers

At noon, the crowd outside Wisma MCA was dominated by the Orangeshirts – Tee Keat supporters – who lined up at the entrance with banners almost blocking any entry into the building.

Their chants of Ong’s name drowned out the chants of the other factions which were pale in comparison as these opposing groups amounted to no more than 20 people each.

However, 15 busloads of followers mainly from Perak later joined the crowd, causing the number of supporters for the Ka Ting-Liow group to swell up to over 400 within minutes, shortly before the arrival of the duo.

Earlier, Chua was the first to arrive and slipped into the nomination hall without much fanfare.

However, when exiting the building after filing his nomination papers, he found himself blocked by Tee Keat supporters, forcing him to take a longer route around the crowd.

Top guns confident

Asked about his prospects, Ka Ting said that he had ‘a good, fighting chance’ but would not take things lightly as it would be a challenging contest.

Tee Keat, expressing confidence, said that he wanted to concentrate on rehabilitating the party.

“Most importantly, I am confident that the delegates can tell the truth from the lies,” he stressed.

Chua, on the other hand, in jest said that while he was confident, he was not that confident of winning the MCA presidency.

Meanwhile, vice-presidential candidate and current Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen quoted her ‘report card’ when asked if she was confident of being reelected.

“Since I was elected in 2008 as VP, I haven’t stopped servicing the community and the country whether it is in the women’s ministry or the tourism ministry. I will hope for the best and leave it to the delegates,” she said.

Following is the list of candidates for the MCA party polls on March 28 after nominations closed at 5pm today:

 

PRESIDENT

1. Dr Chua Soi Lek

2. Ong Ka Ting

3. Ong Tee Keat (incumbent)

 

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

1. Kong Cho Ha

2. Liow Tiong Lai

VICE-PRESIDENT (FOUR POSTS)

1. Khoo Keok Hai (Sandakan chief)

2. Chor Chee Heung (former central committee (CC) member)

3. Ng Yen Yen (incumbent)

4. Yap Pian Hon

5. Gan Ping Sieu (incumbent CC member)

6. Yew Teong Look (Wangsa Maju chief)

7. Wong Siong Wee (Kuala Kerai chief)

8. Donald Lim Siang Chai

9. Yeow Chai Thiam (Negeri Sembilan chief)

10. Loke Yuen Yow (former deputy secretary-general)

 

CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBER (CC)

1. Chew Lee Giok

2. Low Chew June

3. Wong Hock Aun

4. Chan Kam

5. Tan Ken Ten

6. Heng Chai Hing

7. Koh Nai Kwong

8. Ong Soon Boon

9. Lim Eng Kok

10. Tan Chin Meng

11. Ma Kok Ben

12. Loh Seng Kok

13. Tan Cheng Liang

14. Ng Kok Kiang

15. Teah Heok Kuin

16. Gan Tian Loo

17. Thong Fah Chong

18. Chong Itt Chew

19. Chang Chun Cheun

20. Soh Thiam Hock

21. Chin Hong Vui

22. Dr Hou Kok Chung

23. Sim Eng Peng

24. Shim Tshing Nyuk@ Agnes Shim

25. Gan Hong Su

26. Tan Chong Seng

27. Leong Siew Kam

28. Lee Chee Leong

29. Yeong Chee Wei

30. Tay Puay Chuan

31. Kian Sit Har

32. Wee Jeck Seng

33. Lim Yong@ Lim Chen

34. Ooi Siew Kim

35. Dr Jeffrey Goh Sim Ik

36. El Kim Hock

37. Ng Chok Sin

38. Chuah Poh Khiang

39. Koo Chin Nam@ Kho Chin Nam

40. Hoh Khai Mun

41. Yong Chen Leong

42. Senator Heng Seai Kie

43. Ong Chong Swen@Ong Chong Siew

44. Ng See Tiong

45. Pani Choo @ Chen Poi Chu

46. Lee Hock Tow

47. Tang Heap Seng

48. Lee Hong Tee

49. Kong Sing Chu

50. Lee Ban Seng

51. Yip Chee Kiong

52. Ho Yoon Ping

53. Chang Aik Ming

54. Tan Cat Keong

55. Teh Kim Poo

56. Theng Book

57. Wong Koon Bun

58. Tee Siew Kiong

59. Ong Chen Huing

60. Toh Chin Yaw

61. Chong Ah Yit @ Choo Meng Poo

62. Tan Ah Eng

63. Ti Lian Ker

64. Ho Cheng Wang

65. Yit Lee Kok

66. Loh Koi Pin

67. Lim Teck Chong

68. Ho You Meng

69. Tan Chai Ho

70. Dr Por Choo Chor

71. Lai Yeet Fee

72. Lee Kon Yin

73. Lee Wei Kiat

74. Ong Ka Chuan

75. Liew Yuen Keong

76. Koh Chin Han

77. Koe He Choon

78. Tang See Hang

79. Low Kim Mang

80. Wong Jee Yai

81. Chee Sien Chen

82. Yoo Wie How

83. Lau Chiek Tuan

84. Pang Tsu Ming

85. Lee Cheam Choon

86. Tan Kok Hor

Ong “Hornets Nests…Did they Sting you..??”

Natasha of audie61 could not help to ask MCA President Ong Tee Keat,”Have you been stung..?” He has stood on too many “TOES” and thats why there is an incessant pressure on his Presidency. Ong is not a person to “TOE THE LINE” and in many ways its also good for his leadership qualities and credibility but thats not the WAY MALAYSIANS are used to. Our way is quietly,deadly but assured of handling problems with solutions and not picking on too many “HORNETS NESTS”

This article from internet portal  Malaysiakini 

Despite the torrent of blows to his leadership, MCA president Ong Tee Keat today took on a combative position in his opening address to the 56th MCA annual general meeting.

Taking pot shots at his party rivals, he also hinted that he would defend his post during the March 28 polls for the central committee in order to fulfill his party reform agenda.

According to Ong, even though the new central committee will be elected towards the end of the month, its members’ term, in accordance with the party constitution, will end in 2011.

He said that this leaves him with a one year window period to “follow through” with his “path of reforms”, thereby signalling his intention to defend his post.

Observers, on the other hand, see his former deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek as the front-runner in the contest.

We will have reelections on March 28, which is only one year before the 2011 party polls. I hope, in this one year, our party will do everything it can to move forward and it must complete the reform agenda.

“When I was in the hospital, there are people who said that I am not only suffering from pain on my leg, but also my heart. However, despite the pain, I must continue with this path.

“I have walked (this path) yesterday, and today. Tomorrow, I must do the same. There is only one more year to fulfill the reforms. I must follow through with this path of reforms,” he said.

Ovation for Ong

This was met by thunderous applause from the 603 delegates present, who rose to their feet for close to a minute.

Ong again drew an eruption of applause when he said he did not care about his detractors nor about his fate as the party president.

“If you think about it, if I was so concerned about my post, then there would have been no need to disturb so many hornets’ nests,” said Ong, in reference to his attempts to probe the Port Klang Free Zone scandal.

Ong today defended his reform agenda but admitted that he was too hasty, thus making enemies with those with vested interest.

“Reforms cannot be accomplished overnight. It must go through a period of pain. The leader of the reforms can fall at the slightest mis-step. At the slightest mis-step, he can become the enemy of all.

“Perhaps I was too hasty with reforms. Thus, I again extend my apologies to all my comrades… We all have different opinions, but we must have the sense of camaraderie. Let’s not treat ‘him’ as the enemy.”

Ong said all reforms undertaken will be witnessed by the masses and it must be carried out to fulfill the wishes of the party members, the public and to uphold democracy.

MCA..”Do we need to say more..??”

Joey of audie61 received a number of smses and emails and mosts of it refers to “marriage of conveniences and now it’s time to break-up. Surely its also to take a dig at (Information.Communications and Culture Federal Minister) Raiz Yatims,”Inter marriages comments.” Also some said SPDP/PRS if merged will also lead to a SPLIT so better don’t KAHWIN(marry/merge)..

Well we reposts from Malaysiakini the full article for you to read:-

Ong-Chua fatal attraction ends

//

Mar 6, 10 4:12pm

The second-largest BN coalition partner, the 61-year-old MCA is back on the public’s radar with a vengeance for all the wrong reasons, as the party is riven by internecine warfare.

Some described this week’s tactical power play within the MCA leadership has having trapped its embattled president Ong Tee Keat (left) in a politically checkmated position.

His principal rival turned ally under the so-called greater unity plan, his deputy Chua Soi Lek, had ambushed him with his resignation together with seven of his elected central committee supporters, forcing fresh polls for end of this month.

Will the latest scenario be a turning point for the MCA embittered by a hawkish president whose inclination seemed to be engaging in a year -long rivalry with his deputy president with the end result being the party splintering into cliques and factions?

Generally, will the party be able to heal in time to unite and win back Chinese support for the next general elections?

Former MCA’s research and planning department chief Stanley Koh talked to Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini: What’s your read on the latest turn of events leading to the resignations of Chua Soi Lek as deputy president and the seven of his central committee supporters? That adds up to 21 resignations, with 13 from the Liow Tiong Lai faction.

Koh: Well, Chua has mentioned or reminded those who were surprised at his latest move that he had in fact said March to be a month when fresh elections could be held.

Despite many of us, including myself, being taken aback, I think the surprising element was either in the timing or that few of us actually believed him. I had doubts that he was committed and would actually contribute to events leading to fresh party polls.

But I must add that he had strategically timed the submission of the all resignations, coming as they did just before the party AGM and anniversary celebration.

So you agree that it may be a strategic move or carefully thought out and staged?

Yes, that is the significance of his move, joining his numbers with that of Liow’s 13, and so getting the two-thirds of central committee out of the president’s power bloc.

That actually cornered Ong Tee Keat, forcing him to hold fresh elections in the party.

Do you think as speculated or some claim, there was collusion between Chua and Liow? Reportedly, both Chua and Liow had maintained that there was no pre-planned contact or negotiation before the resignations.

If you remember, Ong (Tee Keat) wrote in his blog that he had anticipated the move by Chua. For any shrewd politician desperately hanging clinging to power, I am sure mulling over such a possible scenario is natural.

Let me put it this way, say, if you are leading one of the three factions, wouldn’t you ponder the possibility of the other two joining forces to gang up on you? I am not saying it actually happened but the suspicion is always there.

Are you saying that Ong had miscalculated Chua’s move?
I think Ong had thought of such a scenario but failed to anticipate the timing, if not , probably miscalculated the timing of Chua’s move.

If you had read Chua’s (right)press release after chairing some committee on holding fresh party elections it suggested or gave the impression that the numbers required (two-thirds resignation of the central committee) failed to materialise. The conclusion, no fresh elections could take place.

In short, it became a red herring instead of a red alert.

Another indication, I remember a top party official who had phoned on the day of Chua’s announcement of the resignation who had described the “event” as a stab in the back (of the president), which made me think that the resignations may have actually caught Ong by surprise.

Or were there any reasons for Chua’s sudden move?

Obviously the so-called “Greater Unity Plan” had failed soon after that announcement, the re-shuffling of the guards in the party.

I mean, there have been peace plans before, and never like under this leadership when you drop leaders, some called it sacking, contributing meaningfully to peace within a party. That’s common sense.

But then common sense in politics can be uncommon, especially for those apparently lacking wisdom in understanding the essence of a peace plan.

During the Ling (Liong Sik)-Lim (Ah Lek) leadership crisis, no one was sacked or dropped, the status quo was maintained during that peace plan.

Despite all the publicity of the Greater Peace Plan, I gathered from an insider that the working relationship between Ong (president) and his deputy Chua continued to be strained and they had had decision-making or policy differences.

That probably made Chua think twice or even prompted him against continued cooperation.

There is this sensitive question, do you think there is any influence from powerful external sources (i.e. Umno) determining MCA’s course of action in resolving its problems?

Let me put it this way. First, by virtue of MCA’s position and role to pull in Chinese votes as a BN component, you as big brother, wouldn’t you be concerned? I think the answer is obvious.

Two, there had been statements made by top Umno leaders before, reminding Ong to put his own house in order.

Three, on record, Umno has intervened in MCA crises before, notably the Ling-Lim leadership tussle.

So if you try to convince the man in the street that there is no interference, do you think he will believe you?

At the back of our minds, in fact especially to seasoned political observers, the power brokers had always been Umno.

And I must add that certain quarters had fully exploited the notion that Ong can stand up against external influences or pressures.

Of course, the purpose is to project an image that says “you see, we have a leader who can refuse to listen or pander to the wishes of big brother”.

The propaganda agenda of course is to canvas greater backing from within the party’s ranks for the president.

Conversely, few of us really know how the person (president) actually behaves or talks to Umno top leaders (in private or on a person-to-person face off).

What I mean is, hypothetically, he could behave like a hero outside but be a “yes” man away from the public eye.

How do you assess the position of the party president at this point following the care-taker’s meeting with decisions affecting the youth and women’s wings?

Ong’s favourite song is “Love Me Tender”. I can only put this in a way that the decision or advice to pressure the youth and women’s wings to hold their respective AGMs and subject their office-bearers to fresh elections will not endear the president to a large number of delegates from the wings for sure.

I think Ong can also sing, “My Way.” If you remember the lyrics: “And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain….” Yes, Ong is inevitably facing his final leadership days.

Do you think he can still muster public support by playing up the PKFZ (Port Klang Free Trade zone) issue?

It is ironical. What is happening now is not the PKFZ issue which probably will put end to his political career.

It is his poor leadership as party presidentwhich many claim is the root cause of MCA’s perpetual instability.

Not forgetting earlier that his political rivals had criticised him for projecting himself a hero on the PKFZ issue to justify the continuation of his tenure in office.

Ong had likened his situation to committing political suicide by tackling the issue head-on which probably antagonised some powerful quarters.

But more and more among the party rank and file actually are convinced that Ong’s political career is jeopardised by his own follies within the party and his erratic leadership.

There had been some comments that he is a good leader, with courage and so on and so forth? While others claimed he is a failed leader….?

Any judgement is always subjective. I don’t think he can blame anybody for his failed leadership (as claimed) but himself, if only he had evaluated his leadership weaknesses honestly, critically and with humility from the day he was elected in 2008.

I think, the day he backtracked on his own words by not resigning or stepping down following the no-confidence against him was the turning point in his political career.

If only Ong had remembered how the former Ling Liong Sik leadership had treated him when he was youth chairman, he wouldn’t have allowed a repeat of the scenario facing the youth and women’s wings by throwing the party’s constitution at them.

He might be following the letter strictly but has killed the spirit of the constitution.

It is not supposed to be used as a weapon to fight your political rivals or dissenters. Or what is the purpose of singing the party song with lyrics of unity?

Do you think the MCA will have a better future with a change in leadership and be prepared for the next general elections?

Let us face facts. First, I was criticised when I once mentioned that MCA has forever lost its glory. I don’t see any glory in the party under Ong Tee Keat’s leadership.

Some critics alleged that the president is more interested in “feng shui,” believing that the practice could help smoothen his presidency.

Ong had said he did not believe in the 100 days achievement stuff. Yet he praised the prime minister for achieving so much within the first 100 days.

Even if Ong had recorded some achievements, unfortunately his political blunders and bitter row with Chua had overshadowed all else.

If you ask party members and the public what Ong had achieved, most likely the reply will be his open confrontation with Chua.

And of course, PKFZ, Ong’s likely favourite claims of transparency and courage in exposing or bringing the culprits to book.

I don’t think the PKFZ issue alone can score votes for the party at the next general elections. In fact, the party is likely to lose more seats and to reverse that will be very tough.

Has the political culture in MCA shown any improvement? The reason for this question is that recently Ong has claimed that the DAP has not changed its political culture.

I have been working for the party for 28 years and had served three previous presidents, I have never seen or heard so much “dirty and malicious” campaigns in character assassination.

Some feedback alleged links to cyber-troopers and some leaders setting up unidentified proxy websites as propaganda weapons against anyone perceived to be the president’s rivals.

I am not in any way suggesting that the president himself is involved. 

But I have also not heard of any stern reminders from the president’s office against such negative political culture within the party.
Ong’s leadership suggests approval of the emergence of a new destructive culture of promoting intra-rivalry and in-fighting within the party.

Honestly, with such a leadership record, the party is facing a bleak future. I don’t think it can perform better than the March 8, 2008 poll.

As it is for many the MCA has already become irrelevant and the future does not look that rosy.

“71 Seats Status Quo..??”

The question on everyones lips is how will the Sarawak Pakatan group comprising of PKR,DAP.SNAP and PAS divide the seats allocation. Its appears the State BN according to BN political strategists will be using the same “Status Quo” breakdown of seats to the 4 coalition partners. PBB will be allocated the 35 seats SUPP 19 PRS 9 and SPDP 8. No matter how SPDP or PRS feels that they are entitle for more seats (based on their track records) as SUPP has losts terribly in the 2006 state elections it will not be entertained. 

PBB will have its Triennal delegates Conference on the 28th Feb-2nd March at the newly completed Borneo Convention Centre and after that its PRS TDC in Bintulu in May. Once these two parties have completed their respective general assemblies all eyes will be focussed on the Chief Minister as he alone will determine when it is the right time for a FRESH MANDATE from the people of Sarawak.

Unlike previous elections where there was much political calm,electorate generally demonstrated confidence and optimism in the leadership and policies of the incumbent BN government. BN has the proven track records but now the groundswell is different as the Pakatan group which made inroads in the 308 General elections are better prepared to assist their Sarawak counterparts.

The niggling and obvious question for the Pakatan group would be the breakdown of seats for the opposition front. DAP has obviously sounded their bugle charge with placing interests in the urban constituencies plus two or three semi urban/rural areas. Even newly elected DAP Chairman Sarawak Wong Ho Leng has indicated no less than 20 seats given that they have 6 State assemblyman in the DUN.

The State BN needs to be reassured that its coalition partner SUPPs politiking internally must end or else the Chinese urban electorate will surely turn to DAP. Too much infighting will also determine how the party will fare in this coming State elections and with a new kid on the block PCM(Party Cinta Malaysia) playing spoilers with intentions of contesting 30 seats the electorate will certainly be given a CHOICE. But the obvious contests will be between BN and Pakatan while PCM candidates will just split the votes. PCM has already indicated that they are more relevant than PKR.

Eventhough the mandate CLOCK is ticking ,BN knows that it needs to be prepared for a full-scale electoral offensive,backed by a well organised election machineryand superior resources.It should be unmatched by the opposition and surely the electoral battles in each constituency will be fought entirely on issues which will be localised in nature. The string or supermaket lists of issues which will be brought up by the opposition will not reflect much as compared to the bread and butter issues facing the people in the constituencies. 

The BN will obviously pick the right time according to a school of thought where all goodies will be showered down to the people of Sarawak and leave it with no choice but to return the mandate to BN. But will the political landscape which has embedded in eversince 308 prove us all wrong according  a veteran politician..?

Who would have thought Sammy Vellu,Kho Tsu Koon was defeated badly and Gerakan almost wiped out together with MIC. Will the Sarawak electorate move away from their comfort zone and change all that.? We still have our reservations….

It is without a doubt says a number of political observers that  the element of  FEAR remains for the Sarawak BN. The same sentiments plus other newer issues especially the “Allah” controversy if  left unchecked,unaddressed and not properly resolved  may have a snowballing effect especially with the percentage of 47% Christians in Sarawak.

Its a highly sensitive issue and as such Najib as Prime Minister needs to thread this line very carefully as statistics of past elections will not even be able to help the BN if the electorate in Sarawak so decides otherwise. Its a very thin line for the Federal government as any false move will no doubt be a major factor or bearing in the ballot boxes in the next Sarawak elections.

The consensus for the continuity of the Status quo in seat allocations will be a telling factor for the State BN. If there are all unison in seeing a fresh mandate for the BN and the leadership of Taib and a test of whether the electorate still believes in this equilibrium. The Sarawak electorate has so far passed their political education easily for the past 50 years and it is up to the opposition to ratlle the status quo.

The State BN parties will not need to look further than the wise remarks of Chinese Philosopher Sun Tzu(The art of war)in that it said,” it would be better to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming,but on our readiness to receive him: not on the chance of his not attacking,but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.”

So is the BN ready?The status quo of the coalition partners in PBB ,SUPP,PRS and SPDP will remain and there are no reasons to uproot the tree which has steadily proven that it has kept its promises to the electorates. Only if and when the Pakatan group can move the  comfort zones of the electorates in Sarawak it is without a shadow of a doubt that BN will still call the shots. Sort out your seats fast Pakatan Sarawak or you will return as fast to the abyss with the same bullet train.  

DID THE STATUS QUO TICKLE YOUR MIND AND GOT YOU THINKING….???   

“One Way Ticket..”

Joey received an sms from her source in MCA ,” Fresh polls only way to solve. Many say its a one way ticket.Statement from PM Najib already out. Check out article.Usual MCA stuff. ”

Joey took the cue, reposts it and sang it out loud on this beautiful Sunday evening ,” One way ticket to …………………………”

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said today MCA leaders have agreed in principle to hold fresh party elections.

The prime minister said, however, that they needed time to submit their resignation letters to enable the polls to be held.

“The MCA is aware that it has to resolve the conflict (within the party) in a specific time frame. If it cannot be speeded up, it should not be delayed too much,” he said after attending the fifth workshop in a series on the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs).

Najib said the MCA had not set a specific time frame for its leaders to submit their resignation letters for the fresh elections to be held.

“The leaders are still discussing to get a consensus among them. The fact that they have not submitted their letters of resignation does not mean they will not do so some time in the future.

“It all depends on the understanding that they can reach in due course. The only thing left is the timing of the elections in the MCA. But the principle of having an election is accepted,” said Najib, who is also the BN chairperson.

The prime minister was asked to comment on claims that certain MCA leaders were reluctant to resign to enable the party elections to be held in the effort to resolve the leadership conflict in the party.

Asked on the latest developments in the MCA, Najib said there had been no developments and he was waiting for the next move of the party’s leaders.