EVEN as the 3,000-odd MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) delegates celebrate the party's 63rd
anniversary at Wisma MCA tomorrow, their minds are already on how next
year's celebration will fare.
The reason for that is the
do-or-die battle awaiting the party in the coming general election, and
many see this as the biggest ever challenge faced by the party.
MCA,
which won 46 seats in the last election less than half of what it used
to win in the past elections will be deemed irrelevant if it slides
further.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek,
who described the current political scenario as totally different from
the past, said there should be a sense of “crisis feeling” in the party
to take on this challenge.
“We are talking about an Opposition which is more organised and committed and out to replace the Government.
“They
will do anything and everything to wrest power,” he said when asked
about his message for the delegates at the celebrations.
Of late, Dr Chua has made it a point to unmask DAP, its number one political enemy.
While the two Chinese-based parties have been arch rivals for decades, the war this time around is on a very different platform.
“The DAP today, which is a Pakatan Rakyat ally, is different from the DAP of yesteryears.
“It
is not just working together with its Pakatan allies PAS and PKR to win
seats but is also set to change the fate of the Malaysian Chinese,” Dr
Chua noted.
He stressed that a vote for DAP is a vote for PAS.
To
begin with, he said the DAP had always evaded the question of what
would happen if Pakatan wrested federal control because DAP knew well
that it would not have much say in the coalition.
For instance,
he pointed out that DAP, which won 18 of the 31 state seats in Perak in
the last election, had supported a PAS leader, Datuk Seri Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin, to be the Mentri Besar, adding that PAS only won six seats while PKR won seven.
“DAP is nothing more than a political eunuch to PAS,” Dr Chua said.
He
said the DAP had been planting hope in the minds of some 6.5 million
Malaysian Chinese that the DAP's feat in Penang which saw its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's ascension to the Chief Minister's post was possible in other states.
He
reminded the Chinese that the Penang feat would not be possible in
other states at the moment due to the demography of voters in the
country.
Dr Chua also has a message for the delegates tomorrow
the need to publicise what the party has done for the people and also
what it can continue to do for them.
“I have the party's report
card ready,” he said of the various people-oriented programmes
implemented by the party since he took over the helm about two years
ago.
And perhaps the Chinese saying chuang ye nan, shou ye gen nan
(to build an empire is tough, to maintain an empire is even tougher)
best sums up what the 63-year-old party is going through now.
The event will be broadcast live from MCA's internet platforms.
Those wishing to view the celebration can browse the MCA website at http://www.mca.org.my; official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MCAHQ or Ustream Home at http://www.ustream.tv/user/mcatv.
Councillors go easy on Jessie
GEORGE TOWN: Penang municipal councillors have decided not to pursue
legal action against Selayang Barisan Nasional coordinator Jessie Ooi
for making baseless allegations against the council.
Selangor MCA Beliawanis chief Jessie Ooi >>
Their
representative Ong Ah Teong said the councillors had unanimously decided
not to pursue the matter and instead focus their time and energy on
serving Penangites.
Ooi had made the allegations du-ring the
recent televised debate between MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek
and DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng.
She had during question
time alleged among other things that there were not enough parking lots
in Lebuh Pantai and that enforcement personnel had assaulted people
while performing their duties.
She had also accused the council of towing away cars at 10.30pm.
The
council had clarified that 12 vehicles were towed away for illegal
parking since the ruling was implemented in June last year.
Based on the council’s record, no vehicles were towed at 10.30pm and none in Beach Street as alleged by Ooi.
The
council had explained there were 829 parking bays on Beach Street and
adjoining streets and that its enforcement personnel had not assaulted
anyone.
Meanwhile, Ooi in a statement said she regretted the “misunderstanding and confusion” caused by her.
“I
admit that during the debate, the time for questions was limited and it
was an intense affair resulting in me being emotional and not able to
convey my message properly,” she said.
She said the council had the right and responsibility to correct or refute her remarks, but it should not prosecute her.
Ooi
said the council’s threat to take legal action against her was an
attempt at preventing the rakyat from expressing their views.
Society lacking even after 55 years
MALAYSIA, despite almost 55 years of nation-building, has degenerated
into an intolerant and prejudiced society. Progress in education and
economy has not made us think liberally and outwardly.
Oddly, we
are not isolated from the world at large. We embrace globalisation,
multi-racialism and world peace. Yet many of us remain parochial, as
though shuttered from the changing times and new challenges.
There
are still inward-looking people in our midst who are fond of objecting
to a variety of things without justification or reason.
Perhaps it is their inbred attitude to complain, protest and threaten.
For example, even before the 1Care programme is finalised, there are already protests.
Against what?
In their insecure, selfish world, these objectors jump the gun by stirring up a storm in the teacup.
The 1Care programme will be conceptualised and proposed in a year or two.
At the moment, it is mere discussion and brainstorming. So why the hullabaloo?
There is this fear that workers will have their salaries deducted to fund the scheme.
The thinking is that 1Care should be offered free without any contribution by the employers and employees.
Any
thought of this nature is only a pipe dream. Not everything is free in
this world, not even water, clean air and nature’s abundance of crops.
Before Valentine’s Day, there was also strong objection to its celebration.
Isn’t
love natural and universal? It is madness to stifle love. The world
needs love, lots of it, to attain peace, harmony, unity and growth.
Politics
and religion cannot be allowed to stamp out love, a force that is too
powerful to be subdued or crushed. Love has existed long before
political parties were created.
Like communism, Nazism and terrorism, the “ism” concepts and practices can do more harm than good.
Extremism is a good example of its negative, sometimes destructive, effects. So is racialism.
We must be on guard against false prophets, pretenders and campaigners with personal agendas.
They
are dissenters motivated by self-interest and misguided beliefs. Their
aim is to plant the seeds of doubt, suspicion and rebellion.
Fear is a commonly used weapon to create panic and opposition. It becomes a medical and social issue when it leads to phobia.
In some cases, fear triggers national disunity, family discord, social strife and violence.
Malaysia has witnessed many “anti” crusades – anti-dam construction, anti-Lynas, anti-highway building and anti-temple removal.
Sometimes,
one wonders whether the resources can be channelled to more meaningful
purposes like charity, community development and education advancement.
Another widely-employed strategy is rumour-mongering intended to damage integrity, harmony and unity.
Strangely,
many Malaysians accept rumours as the gospel truth, not realising that
the wagging tongues strive to spread fear and malice.
Years ago,
Tun Abdul Razak once advised: “Don’t listen to rumours.” Not much has
changed since then. Many people are still gullible, easily swayed, and
outright ignorant.
The rumour mills have expanded from coffee shops, markets and taxi stands to factories, community halls and new townships.
When
nothing works, objectors and opponents threaten to institute legal
proceedings. The “I will sue you” mentality is quite widespread. It
seems to be the final answer to one’s frustrations, grievances and
selfish interests.
Bad habits die hard, Negative attitudes
linger. We are not an enlightened, liberated society. Do we need to wait
for another 55 years to see positive change in our mindset?
Chua and Penang chief minister Guan Eng agreed
to keep the debate professional and not as a platform to decide who is
the winner or loser.
KUALA
LUMPUR: The people has emerged as the ultimate winner in the debate
between the MCA and DAP here today as it allowed the Malaysian public to
evaluate for themselves the policies and stands of the Barisan Nasional
and the opposition.
“The winner is the rakyat and not Lim Guan Eng (DAP
secretary-general) or Chua Soi Lek,” said MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek
in a joint news conference soon after concluding the debate, which drew a
hugh public interest, especially from the Chinese community and was
telecast live on Astro, that is on Astro AEC and Awani.
“An engagement like this will allow the rakyat to see the stands of
BN and Pakatan,” he said after the hour-long debate titled “Is the
two-party system becoming a two-race system?” organised by the Asian
Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) and MCA’s think-tank, Institute
of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap).
Right from the beginning, Chua and his fellow debater, the Penang
chief minister, agreed to keep the debate professional and not as a
platform to decide who is the winner or loser.
The debate was conducted in Mandarin and was moderated by Kuala
Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall chief executive officer Tan Ah
Chai.
On a question whether both parties had answered the questions raised
in the debate, Chua said he believed he could have provided better
explanation if they were given more time and opportunity.
Meanwhile, Lim said the debate could be a good beginning to become a
more matured democratic society, adding that such an event should be
more frequently organised.
“I think this is something good and I hope this will not be the first
and last. I feel it will open up the mind of our rakyat because issues
must be debated rationally,” he said.
Lim said both he and Chua had agreed to meet again for another round
of public debate, which would be in Bahasa Malaysia or English, and they
would decide later on other details of the debate including topics,
time and venue.
Lim added the ultimate debate that the people were awaiting to see
would be between Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Opposition Leader
Anwar Ibrahim.
Bernama
11:42AM Feb 18, 2012
MCA
president Dr Chua Soi Lek kicked off the much anticipated ‘Malaysian
Chinese At the Political Crossroads’ conference today with an all out
verbal assault against Pakatan Rakyat, ahead of his debate against DAP
secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Two
of the most prominent Chinese politicians go head-to-head in a rare
televised debate with MCA president Chua Soi Lek facing off DAP
secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
The debate topic is titled 'Chinese at the crossroads: Is the two-party system becoming a two-race system?'.
Tensions runs high in the packed ballroom at the Berjaya Hotel, Kuala Lumpur with a 600-strong crowd.
About 200 more who failed to secure entry passes are viewing following the debate through a big screen outside the hall (left).
LIVE REPORTS
4.55pm: The ballroom erupts as rival supporters chant stands up to chant the respective names of the debators as they take the stage.
5pm:
Moderator Tan Ah Chai, chief executive officer of the Kuala
Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, kicks off the session by
explaining the rules.
For the opening speeches, each debator will be allowed to speak for eight minutes.
5.02pm: The duo draw steps up to the moderator's podium to lots enclosed in a envelope, to choose the first speaker. Chua Soi Lek will go first.
5.05pm: After March 8, 2008. DAP has been practising the politics of hatred, says Chua.
He
adds DAP has changed and is now teaming up with PAS, which wants to
implement a theocratic state. He says DAP cannot stop PAS.
"DAP is just talking big," said Chua, triggering the first major applause from the floor, albiet from the MCA side.
He backs up his argument by stating that Kedah practice gender segregation while PAS is opposing to cinemas in Bangi, Selangor.
5.07pm:
DAP likes to tell the Chinese that voting the opposition would improve
living standards, pointing to how a DAP candidate can become a chief
minister of Penang, says Chua.
Chua says DAP was giving false hopes to the Chinese that such a situation can happen in other states too.
5.10pm: Chua says that in multi-cultural country, Malaysians cannot support PAS because of its Islamic state agenda.
"Who is PAS' biggest ally?" asks Chua, to which the MCA crowd shouts in unison "DAP!".
5.12pm: It's now Lim Guan Eng's turn.
He
thanks the organisers for organising the debate but says that what the
public wants to see is a debate between PM Najib Razak and Opposition
Leader Anwar Ibrahim.
5.14pm: "We in Pakatan Rakyat don't make use of each other. Our concern is how the public makes use of us.
"We
aren't against the Malays. We aren't against the Chinese. We are
against corruption," says Lim, whipping the Pakatan crowd into a
frenzy...
Dr
Chua appeared to be metaphorically rolling up his sleeves in
preparation for his debate with political opponent, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in the evening.
"He
(Lim) is more interested in issuing countless statements to condemn or
challenge others, behaving like a true street fighter. He has forgotten
that he has a state to look after," said Dr Chua to tumultous applause.
The
forum, jointly-organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute
and MCA think-tank Insap, is being held at Berjaya Times Square here,
with the highly-anticipated debate set to begin at 5pm.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
also could not resist referring to the Dr Chua-Lim showdown, saying
with a grin that he heard there would be a "boxing match" in the
evening.
"He (Chua) is going into the ring. As I can see from his speech, he is very well prepared.
"So
we wish him all the very best, and as the boxing term goes, we hope he
will punch above his weight," quipped Najib in his speech.
Both
DAP and MCA delegates as well as members of the public will comprise the
750-strong audience who will later witness the debate, which will be
conducted in Mandarin.
Overseas radio listeners can tune in to The Star's 988FM live broadcast via the station's website. www.988.com.my.
Local
listeners should tune in to these frequencies: Kedah, Perlis,Langkawi
(FM96.1), Taiping (FM96.1/94.5), Kuantan and Pahang (FM90.4),north Johor
and Malacca (FM98.2), Penang (FM94.5), Ipoh (FM99.8), KlangValley
(FM98.8), Negri Sembilan (FM93.3) and south Johor and Singapore
(FM99.9).
Astro
AEC (Channel 301) will also air the debate live, with a repeat telecast
at 11pm while live streaming is available via its website www.astro.com.my/bendiquan.
Non-Mandarin speakers can watch the Bahasa Malaysia version on Astro Awani (Channel 501).
The debate will also be aired live on Astro AEC (Channel 301).
The rules and format have been finalised for their debate on the topic: Is the Two-Party System Becoming a Two-Race System?
The debate in Mandarin will be aired live on Astro
AEC (Channel 301) and repeated at 11pm on Saturday. Non-Mandarin
speakers can also watch the debate in Bahasa Malaysia on Astro Awani
(Channel 501). It can also be watched via live streaming on
www.astro.com.my/bendiquan
About 600 seats have been allocated at the venue, including 200 each for MCA and DAP. The debate is jointly organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and MCA
think-tank Insap.
Battle of wits between Chua and Lim to be aired live on television
Reports by LIM WEY WEN, LEE YEN MUN, CHRISTINA TAN and CHIN MUI YOON
Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) director and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Michael Yeoh told The Star, however, that although the duel would resemble the American debate, this had been adapted to the local setting.
“All
parties have agreed upon important matters like the seat allocation and
structure of the debate,” Dr Yeoh said, adding that the 200 seats set
aside for each political party would remain.
The one-hour debate titled “Is the two-party system becoming a two-race system?” starts at 5pm tomorrow.
Both
Dr Chua and Lim will draw lots to determine who speaks first and they
will then be allowed a few minutes to give their opening remarks on the
topic.
After that, both speakers will be asked to answer one
question posed by the moderator – historian and Kuala Lumpur and
Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall chief executive officer Tan Ah Chai.
Shortly
after, both speakers will field questions from the audience. They will
then have the opportunity to give some closing remarks.
The debate will be conducted in Mandarin and will be aired live on Astro AEC (Channel 301).
In the channel’s special edition of News Talk, host Siow Hui Mei will facilitate a pre-debate panel discussion 30 minutes before its start.
A replay will be televised at 11pm the same day.
Viewers
can catch the debate translated into Bahasa Malaysia on Astro Awani
(Channel 501). They can also watch a live streaming of the programme via
Astro’s BDQ website (www.astro.com.my/bendiquan).
Speaking experts give tips to Chua and Lim
By CHIN MUI YOON newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Dress right, keep a cool head, inject some humour and maintain eye contact.
According
to them, the manner in which both men address issues affecting the
nation will have far-reaching influence on how the public perceive their
leadership, vision and values and, ultimately, affect how they cast
their votes in the next general election.
Former TV newscaster and veteran event host Datuk Mahadzir Lokman
advised the leaders to dress more casually to present a more
approachable, people-centric appearance rather than a typical
politician’s suit and tie.
“Our politicians tend to be very mundane in their choice of dressing,” he said.
“Of
course, they can’t wear baggy jeans or T-shirts, but I do suggest a
pair of slacks and short-sleeve cotton or linen shirt to appear as a
down-to-earth wakil rakyat.”
Mahadzir opined that both
speakers must articulate their points in a crisp and clear manner and
added that he believed Dr Chua had an advantage here as he had strong
oratory skills.
“He speaks very well and he is respected in the Chinese community as a taiko or big brother. To them, a taiko leads and has the right to do whatever he wants,” he said.
He
added that both men must appeal to two segments of the Chinese
community — the English-speaking and the Chinese educated —and that the
latter would expect precise Mandarin with faultless grammar, pitch and
intonation.
“I believe parts of the debate will be in English
which is important as it is not just the Chinese who will be watching,
everyone else will be too!”
Datuk Lawrence Chan, executive chairman of PDL Management Corporation
and an international speaker and trainer, felt that “Dr Chua’s forte is
his vast experience while Lim’s strengths are his youth and the
long, hard way he took to reach the Chief Minister’s post.”
“But
what will be vital for both is whether they can keep a cool head. In a
debate, certain issues tend to invoke strong emotions, and the speakers
can come across as authoritarian, which can put off people.
“Maintaining
eye contact with the audience is also important, as are their
non-verbal expressions which are there for all to see during a live
debate. Sometimes it is not what’s being said that counts, it’s how they
say it. If the speakers speak persuasively, even those who are neutral
will swing to their side.
“I would also advise them to use some humour that is relevant, as people tend to remember such moments.”
According to Roshan Thiran, CEO of Leaderonomics, a leadership development social enterprise, leadership styles are driven by personalities.
“And as far as public perception goes, Lim is seen as a Gen X leader whom people can relate to easily.
“He
has established an image as a leader who is approachable. It’s a
positive trait but on the downside, he may take a while to respond to
issues.
“Dr Chua, on the other hand, is a smart and savvy leader
who has survived many crises in his political career. He is a leader who
knows how to lead through different and difficult circumstances,” said
Roshan.
He added that what would be important in a live debate
would be for the two men to know how to leverage on their strengths
while playing down their weaknesses.
Supporters spar online ahead of the main event
Reports by LIM WEY WEN, LEE YEN MUN, CHRISTINA TAN and CHIN MUI YOON
PUTRAJAYA: Supporters of both MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng
are beating the war drums online as the political rivals prepare to
face off in what has been dubbed the most anticipated debate of the year
for the Chinese community.
Encouragement filled the Facebook pages of both Dr Chua and Lim while others took the opportunity to “thumb down” their opponents.
Dr
Chua will square off with Lim tomorrow on the topic “Is the two-party
system becoming a two-race system?” before a 600-strong audience at
Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.
“Big boss, drop the hammer
down, show them that all promises made must be based on the political
reality of Malaysia,” Facebook user Reon Lim wrote on Dr Chua’s page.
Another
supporter, Ragvinder Singh Jessy, said: “Guan Eng is thrashed. He lacks
substance in debates. He’s no match to your prowess.”
DAP
supporters were equally enthusiastic about Lim, with some suggesting to
the Penang Chief Minister to sport his signature “Brylcreem look” for
good luck.
“We all kind of like it and miss it, don’t know why
but that hairstyle gives you extra ‘uumphh’ and ‘pow-wah’ (power). Good
luck, CM – we believe in you!” said Evelyn Hor, referring to Lim’s slick
hairdo.
Those who did not manage to reserve a seat for the debate expressed their disappointment.
Although the debate will be aired live on Astro, some are unhappy because not everyone has access to satellite television.
“Why
the free tv station no broadcast? I hope tv station in media prima or
rtm can broadcast this, not everyone can watch through astro,” wrote
Bernard Low Chun Sun on Dr Chua’s Facebook page.
The debate,
organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and MCA
think-tank Insap, is part of a day-long forum on “The Chinese at a
Political Crossroads in the Next General Election”.
A proposal to introduce a bill to force all IT workers in Malaysia to be certified and registered via a single industry body has sparked agitation in the tech sector.
If the proposed legislation, the Board of Computing Professionals Malaysia Bill 2011 (BCPM), is passed, Malaysia will be the first country with a law which requiring IT professionals to be registered with a board before being allowed to practice.
Under the draft bill any professional registering with the board would have to pass examinations, possess professional experience and pay registration fees.
Those against the law claim that the talent pool may shrink if such stipulations are introduced and fear that the board will have too much control over who can be registered, or certified for lucrative government tenders.
The tech community has released a “Common Voice of ICT Professionals” response to the government proposal, stating that the industry is “alarmed” and “caught most of us off-guard”.
“We have not found any information and substantiation that suggests or concludes that the formation of the Board of Computing Professionals is the right and only answer to amicably resolve all matters that the Government perceive to be issues relating to the ICT profession, if such issues indeed do exist in the first place.”
Also under the draft of the proposed bill, unregistered IT professionals will not be allowed to “practice, carry on business or take up employment which requires him to carry out or perform the services of a Registered Computing Professional”. They are also forbidden from gaining any fees, charges, remuneration or other form of consideration for any professional technology services rendered. ®
MCA against listing IT pros under a regulatory body
The Star 13/12/2011
MALACCA: MCA has voiced its objection against a proposed move by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to register IT practitioners in the country under a regulatory body known as the Board of Computing Professionals.
“We will be made a laughing stock in the global arena if we go ahead with the proposed body. Nowhere else is there such a regulatory body,” he said after attending Kota Melaka 1MCA Medical Foundation dinner here last night.
He said the ministry should first seek feedback from IT practitioners before coming up with such a plan.
“The board is unnecessary because a code of conduct or guideline is more suitable.
“Furthermore, the fact is undeniable that most of the pioneer members of the local IT Industry are not those from IT background. Yet, they were able to soar,” he said, adding that he had expressed MCA's opposition against the board to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
On another matter, Dr Chua called on Opposition leaders, especially those from PAS, to understand the religions practised by the Chinese community such as Buddhism and Taoism before making baseless comments.
He claimed that PAS leaders had made derogatory remarks during their ceramah, labelling the Chinese as “praying to Datuk Kong and Pai Kong and later may worship King Kong”.
“MCA is willing to provide classes to PAS leaders if they don't understand the tenets and teaching of other religions,” he said.
New Bill will restrict IT users, says Pua
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to impose bureaucratic control over the information technology (IT) in Malaysia, said DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua.
He said the proposed Computer Professionals Bill (CPB) 2011 would restrict those using IT, despite assurances by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry that there will not be any restrictions on computing services.
“The information technology and computing industry has been operating without controversy, issues or impediment for the past decade.
“There is absolutely no bureaucratic requirement to restrict and control the industry, which will only bring adverse outcomes without any corresponding tangible benefit,” Pua said in a statement here yesterday.
IT professionals had raised a stink over the CPB 2011 since a copy of the Bill's draft was made available online on Thursday.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek says Malaysians need a New Deal that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive to address today’s concerns and it should epitomise the core expectations of the people.
DATUK Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has outlined a wide-ranging “New Deal” for Malaysians that include abolishing obsolete laws, relaxing the hold on the media, democratising the economy and liberalising the education system.
The MCA president urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was at the 58th MCA general assembly over the weekend when Dr Chua called for the reforms, to “take a giant leap forward” and offer the deal to all Malaysians.
“It should not allow the baggage of the past to be a millstone around the necks of our children and grandchildren,” he said to the applause of the delegates.
“Malaysians need a New Deal that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive of all Malaysians to address today’s concerns.
“It should epitomise the very core expectations of the people,” he added.
While proposing that outdated and irrelevant laws be repealed, he also proposed permission for public protests at designated places with a transparent police permit application system.
On the all-important economic front, he said cronyism and nepotism when awarding projects should be abolished and affirmative action based on needs and merits be extended to any group that is poor.
On education, the New Deal hopes that mother tongue languages would eventually be made compulsory in all national schools.
On calls for English to be made compulsory, Dr Chua said it is time the Government set a time frame to achieve this.
He also proposed a one-off cash payment to poor Malaysian households to help them tide over the rising cost of living and a monthly allowance for the affected households – a move that many Malays and Indian households would also welcome.
His New Deal is within grasp and achievable for the younger generation who wants to see the country reform.
Dr Chua is banking on these reforms, in part already promised by Najib, to carry the MCA into the next general election and win the support of Chinese voters, who make up the majority in 46 parliamentary constituencies.
He is, in fact, eyeing the young voters.
The MCA performed dismally in 2008, winning only 15 parliamentary seats.
The DAP has since emerged as the champion of the Chinese community, a position once held by the MCA.
The reforms can help the MCA stand its ground against the DAP’s accusations that it did not fight for the Chinese community and had only kowtow to Umno all these years.
This is not true as cooperation with Umno and the Government had allowed the MCA to achieve a lot for the people over the years.
One example is the fact that 20,000 youngsters graduate annually from UTAR, a college conceived and built by the MCA.
While the Chinese are either sitting on the fence or supporting the DAP, Dr Chua warned that the country would see, not a two-party system, but a two-race system.
He said if the Chinese voters were blind to the realities of politics in the country, they would sit in the Opposition while the Malays form the Government.
Dr Chua said they were off on a tangent, on their own, nursing anger against the Government.
But, he said, the Government has become inclusive and has started political, social and economic reforms that were gradually transforming the country.
His overall message to the assembly delegates is – if they (the Chinese) refuse to see the reform direction the country is taking they would end up the losers.
Dr Chua has promised that if the Chinese voters, for some reasons, don’t give their support to the MCA and if its performance is worse than in 2008, the party will stay out of the Government altogether.
MCA proposes New Deal for Malaysians
Last updated on 3 October 2011 - 08:08am
Pauline Wong newsdesk@thesundaily.com
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (right) greets MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (3rd, left) after giving his speech at the party's 58th AGM today. At left is MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 2, 2011): MCA has proposed a New Deal to snag voters and regain full support for the party, as well as for the Barisan Nasional (BN).
Party president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who officiated the party's annual general meeting (AGM) today, to embrace this new deal, which will "give every Malaysian, their children, and grandchildren confidence and hope that their future is in Malaysia."
"The world has changed, and Malaysia cannot sit still when the world moves ahead with more progressive policies that do away with ideological dogmatism," said Chua, lauding Najib's push for legislative reform and the repeal of the Internal Security Act, among others.
"Laws, policies, ideologies and beliefs that have outlived their relevance must be changed. If we do not do away with them or adapt to the times, they will act as stumbling blocks that impeded the progress of the country and its people.
In a wide-ranging speech, Chua in his opening address during the party's 58th AGM held at the MCA headquarters here, also reiterated the party's vow that it will not accept any government posts if it does not gain the support of the Chinese community.
"Delegates will pass a resolution that the party will not take up any government posts if the MCA does not fare better than in the 2008 general elections.
"Such a move is to respect the wishes of the voters, and should be construed as such and not as a threat to the voters," Chua said.
Chua had mooted the decision in April, when he announced that the party will refuse to take Cabinet posts if it does not turn the tide of support from the 2008 elections.
"Hopefully this decision will create greater awareness of the need for unity among MCA members, and that the survival and destiny of the party is in their hands," said Chua.
Elaborating on the new deal, the MCA president said it is for a fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive government.
"The government should listen more to concerned Malaysians who are now more vocal and politically conscious than before," said Chua, adding that there should be more channels for peaceful dissent, and that routes and places be designated for protests.
"However, organisers of demonstrations must ensure that it is peaceful with no threat towards human life or property," he said.
Chua also proposed that the government should work towards abolishing the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
"The MCA feels the press should have the liberty to exercise self-control, as there are already other laws such as the Sedition Act and the Official Secrets Act to check on any wrongdoing," he said.
Chua also called for the University and University College Act (UUCA) to be reviewed.
"MCA believes that the UUCA should be amended to allow students to be engaged in political activity to respect their rights as voters," he said.
Chua also touched on the economy, saying it must be made free from the encumbrances of cronyism and nepotism, corruption and unfair business practices.
"The rakyat wants a just society and a fairer business environment that emphasises on meritocracy, inclusiveness and transparency," he said, adding that "doing business should be simpler, minus all the red tape."
However, the new deal should not be seen as an attempt to rewrite the so-called Merdeka contract.
"I know there will be groups who will attack me for even suggesting it. But let us be bold and brave enough to rework it to make it more suitable for the times and to meet the aspirations of all Malaysians," he charged, adding that the government and the party should rise above narrow self-interests.
MCA seeks New Deal
Reports by FOONG PEK YEE, NG SI HOOI, EDMUND NGO, ELWEEN LOKE, FLORENCE A. SAMY, MAZWIN NIK ANIS, RUBEN SARIO, SIRA HABIBU, RAHIMY RAHIM, REGINA LEE and PRIYA KULASAGARAN > Photos by DARRAN TAN, AZHAR MAHFOF, SAM THAM, LOW LAY PHON and CHAN TAK KONG
KUALA LUMPUR: A “New Deal” based on fairness and bravery is needed to give the people confidence and hope that their future is in Malaysia, said Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
The MCA president said the New Deal must embrace everyone as well as erase policies and laws which are unjustified and considered stumbling blocks.
“The time to act is now. The New Deal should give every Malaysian, their children and grandchildren confidence and hope that their future is in Malaysia,” Dr Chua said at the opening of the MCA's 58th annual general assembly at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to take the giant leap forward and offer all Malaysians a new deal for the future, Dr Chua said Barisan Nasional should not allow “the baggage of the past to be a millstone around the necks of our children and grandchildren”.
Presidential address: Dr Chua delivering his keynote address at the MCA’s 58th annual general assembly at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — CHAN TAK KONG / The Star
“Malaysians need a New Deal that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive of all Malaysians to address today's concerns of the young and future generation. It should encompass political, social, economic and educational issues and epitomise the very core expectations and aspirations of the people at large.”
He noted that the aspirations of the younger generation might not be the same as that of the older generation.
He added that the Government and leaders must tailor their policies and programmes to the young.
“They must have faith that their aspirations can be met, and that we (Barisan) will facilitate those aspirations and not be a hindrance to them,” Dr Chua said.
The MCA president said there was a need for Barisan to sit down and work out the New Deal, stressing that such efforts must not be seen as an attempt to completely rewrite the so-called Merdeka social contract.
“I know there will be groups who will attack me for even suggesting it.
“But let us be bold and brave enough to rework it to make it more suitable for the times and meet the aspirations of all Malaysians.”
Dr Chua said the policies formulated immediately after 1969 must change with the times, pointing out that the world had changed.
“The new leadership of the MCA wants the New Deal to also embrace a government that is constructive and which can unite all races.
“We must always pursue the middle path, reaching out to a younger generation who may feel alienated.
“We want a nation that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive of all Malaysians.”
Dr Chua said the Government should listen more to concerned Malaysians who were now more vocal, active and politically-conscious than before.
“As leaders, we must always be ready to listen. Politicians should never pretend to know everything,” he stressed.
He said a caring government would take care of everyone's needs and expectations, from education and employment to security and law and order, as well as the impact of inflation.
“The Government's duty is to reassure all Malaysians that they have a rightful place in the country. All Malaysians will benefit as the country develops to become a high-income nation by the year 2020. The expanding economic cake should be shared fairly and equitably by all Malaysians.
“Bumiputras should not be jealous of the success of non-bumis, and non-bumis should also not be jealous of the progress of bumiputras. We are 1Malaysia.”
MCA calls for a new deal based on fairness (Update)
By FOONG PEK YEE
KUALA LUMPUR: A new deal based on fairness and bravery needs to be drawn up to give the people confidence and hope that their future is in Malaysia, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
"The new deal must embrace everyone and erase policies and laws which are unjustified and considered stumbling blocks," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak acknowledges the standing ovation from delegates at the MCA's 58th annual general meeting.
“The time to act is now. The new deal should give every Malaysian, their children and grandchildren confidence and hope that their future is in Malaysia,” he said at the opening of the MCA's 58th annual general assembly (AGM) at Wisma MCA here .
Urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to take the giant leap forward and offer all Malaysians a new deal for the future, Dr Chua said Barisan Nasional should not allow “the baggage of the past to be a millstone around the necks of our children and grandchildren”.
“Malaysians need a new deal that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive of all Malaysians to address today's concerns of the young and the future generation.
"It should encompass political, social, economic and educational issues and epitomize the very core expectations and aspirations of the people at large.”
In a highly-charged speech Dr Chua said the coalition must rise to the occasion, rise above narrow self-interest and do away with “ideological dogmatism and laws, policies, ideologies and beliefs that have outlived its relevance in today's political landscape.”
Dr Chua and his deputy Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai welcome Najib on his arrival for the 58th MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA on Sunday
He noted that the aspirations of the younger generation might not be the same like that of the older generation, and that the government and leaders must tailor their policies and programmes to the young.
“They must have faith that their aspirations can be met, and that we (Barisan) will facilitate those aspirations and not be a hindrance to them,” Dr Chua said.
The MCA president said there was a need for Barisan to sit down and work out the New Deal, stressing that such efforts must not be seen as an attempt to completely rewrite the so-called Merdeka social contract.
“I know there will be groups who will attack me for even suggesting it. But let us be bold and brave enough to rework it to make it more suitable for the times and to meet the aspirations of all Malaysians.
“Let us rise above narrow self-interests. The time to act is now.”
Dr Chua said policies formulated immediately after 1969 must change with the times, pointing out that the world had changed.
Dr Chua and his deputy Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai welcome Najib on his arrival for the 58th MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA on Sunday
“The new leadership of the MCA wants the New Deal to also embrace a government that is constructive and which can unite all races. We must always pursue the middle path, reaching out to a younger generation who may feel alienated.
“We want a nation that is fair, democratic, transparent and inclusive of all Malaysians.”
Dr Chua said the government should listen more to concerned Malaysians who are now more vocal, active and politically conscious than before.
“As leaders, we must always be ready to listen. Politicians should never pretend to know everything,” he stressed.
He said a caring government would take care of everyone's needs and expectations, from education and employment to security and law and order, as well as the impact of inflation.
Dr Chua, who called for more channels for peaceful dissent, also proposed that designated places and designated routes be allowed for protest and that the applications for police permits must be transparent.
On political transformation, Dr Chua said politicians should go beyond the politics of cohesion, threat, race and religion.
He regretted that there were one or two Barisan leaders who were seen as aloof, arrogant and abusive, and their attitude had not gone down well with the rakyat.
Dr Chua, who likened their behaviour to that of “big brothers” or bullies, said their behaviour would only heighten the people's anger and negative perceptions of the Barisan and the government.
The MCA chief also called on Najib to ensure that all frontline civil servants to emulate the police by learning at least two additional languages besides Bahasa Malaysia.
On education, Dr Chua called for a timetable should also be set for the authorities to make English a compulsory pass subject in the SPM examination.
He also called for mother tongue languages to be encouraged at all national schools and should eventually be made compulsory.
“If such initiatives are planned properly with a staggered timeline, they are achievable.”
Touching on the economy, Dr Chua said the award of projects should not be based on a “know-who” basis, and the expanding economic cake should be shared fairly by all Malaysians under the 1Malaysia concept.
He also urged Malaysians not to see each other as competitors but instead team up to compete with the world outside.
On the rising cost of living and many people not being able to make ends meet, Dr Chua proposed the government help them via special one-off monetary relief like cash handouts to the poor, senior citizens, pensioners, and assistance like school books, uniforms and transportation for school-going children.
The government, he added, should also consider some form of monthly allowance for the poor.
Dr Chua also cautioned the people of the Pakatan's practice - talk but don't walk the talk apart from being “consistently inconsistent”.
He reminded the people that the opposition's populist policies might generate the “feel good” factor; but they would neither address their needs nor generate high income or better living standards.