Soi Lek: Umno-MCA ties like master-servant

Soi Lek: Umno-MCA ties like master-servant
22 Aug, 2008

By Shannon Teoh, The Malaysian Insider

In a bold declaration that is sure to raise more than eyebrows, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek described the current relationship between Umno and MCA as akin to that of a master and servant.

The former MCA vice-president wrote this as part of a three-point reform agenda he insisted is "crucial" on his blog two days ago.

"Chinese cannot accept Malay supremacy, only Malay leadership," he told The Malaysian Insider today.

In the blog post, he stated that in the Barisan Nasional alliance "every component partner should have equal rights, only then can MCA deliver the Chinese vote and stay competitive in the new political landscape."

The political veteran said Malays need not fear as the position of Malay rights and language and Islam are firmly entrenched as well as protected in the Federal Constitution.

"Why should Malays be so worried when they represent 60% of voters?" The former Health Minister added that it was not a matter of whether Umno could accept a new arrangement but that it was a political reality.

"I don't think Umno politicians are unreasonable. I have worked with them before and they are pragmatic enough to see the need for change to survive. If not support from non-Malays will keep going downhill," he explained.

Dr Chua, who had resigned from all political positions after admitting he was the man in a sex DVD, pointed out that "as a multiracial coalition, mixed constituencies should be a stronghold for BN but in the March 8 elections, we lost 30 of 43 such constituencies. If BN claims to be multiracial then this should be its strength, not its Achilles heel."

When asked which MCA leader could lead MCA to such reforms, Dr Chua only indicated that Datuk Ong Tee Keat, the only candidate to declare his intentions to run for the party presidency in the October elections would not be capable.

"He is always regarded as a vocal leader but if it is a controversial issue, he tries to avoid it. During the keris incident, where was he?"

Chua commented, referring to Umno youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's repeated brandishing of the Malay dagger during Umno general assembly meetings.

Asked specifically if he himself could do it, he refused to answer directly, saying only that "at least I would dare to articulate these concerns."

Dr Chua has been campaigning openly to make a political comeback at the MCA polls but has stopped short of declaring his candidacy for a specific post. However, it is widely accepted that he will run for president and a constant war of words between Dr Chua and Ong has given more weight to this speculation.