Source: Just Read Whatever
It is a usual read that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek comes under heavy criticism by pro-Pakatan Rakyat online and print media like Malaysiakini, Malaysia Chronicle, Harakah, Suara Keadilan and others.
When he dropped Ong Tee Keat from defending the Pandan seat and he himself decided not to contest in the 13th general election, Chua was badmouthed for taking ‘revenge’ on the former president and at the same time ‘cowardly’ frustrate his own constituents in Labis.
However, when the Malay Mail, a pro-Barisan Nasional daily started to sharpen its knife on the former Health Minister, one can’t help but question the motive and intention behind it.
Has Malay Mail changed its editorial policy from being pro-BN to pro-Pakatan Rakyat or has it taken up a ‘neutral’ stance in Malaysian politics? But I still want to make believe that ‘The Paper That Cares’ is still very much a BN supporter.
When former party president Ong was axed from contesting the general elections, it summed up how everything that could go wrong was going wrong with the MCA.
First, let me make clear that I am not a fan of Ong although he has impressed me as a public-spirited community organiser. Let me make clear that I have scant respect for a party president who is not doing battle in GE13. MCA chief, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek tops the list, especially at a time when the Chinese community is demanding for increasing boldness.
This week’s column is not about MCA bashing, but rather where the party’s political system is headed.
Yes, it is the rights of the writer/journalist to pen what he thinks about the scenario in MCA but the timing doesn’t warrant such an ‘analysis’, especially when the paper has also been tasked to help boost the ruling party’s chance in the national poll.
The 13th general election will be an uphill task for BN. Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak has told party leaders and members not to undermine the opposition; that BN needs all the push to retain power.
Najib once said the outcome of the general election will depend much on ‘the battle of the media’. Both pro-BN and pro-Pakatan online, print and electronics media have been on psycho war ever since the 12th general election, with the opposition staging one of the most intense attack on BN.
I personally have some reservations about the government but I will find the right time to criticise. As for now, ensuring BN victory is my ultimate focus.
Being a popular daily, Malay Mail can help BN (if it wants) or operates with perfidy but still, knowing the people inside makes me wonder if they have different agenda before and after May 5 polling.
Difficult to pinpoint the affliction here but sulking may not be far off when the party president incredulously does not want to contest in this election.
If he was indeed sulking, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek didn’t stop there because in the BN seat negotiations, he seems to be conceding ground to other parties in as far as familiar MCA seats are concerned such as Kuantan, Wangsa Maju and, at one stage, Pandan.
This is not the time to simulate our support for BN. If we are for Pakatan, its best if we avow it but as responsible pro-BN journalists, we need to tow the line too. We cannot be aiding the opposition with fresh ammo if we really want BN to win.
Many people out there are also not satisfied with the list of candidates for the general election, especially Umno members who failed to get their favorites up but such a discontentment should be well kept until the result of polling is announced.
Even the PM is not always right in his decision but some wrongs can be corrected if party members try to comprehend and admit that some changes will augur well in stabilizing the party and the government.
Chua too has put up his best to maintain stability in the party my making some ‘adjustments’ to it although a few would appear unpopular. Former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is known for some unpopular decisions but it ended up with Umno gaining strength and momentum.
MCA is part of BN. Umno alone cannot form a government without the Chinese and Indian votes. So, it is a duty for pro-BN media to continue supporting the party and the leaders. Not that we cannot criticise but it can be done at the right time.
If we think we have a mission to accomplish, we better keep going. Unless we change our approach and policy for one reason – playing safe in expecting Pakatan to rule the country after May 5!
