MCA Youth speaks
EGM result unexpected, but party needs new leadership to regain public confidence
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 07:54:00
AS opposed to their more diplomatic senior leaders, MCA Youth members were critical in their views of the party’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) last Saturday that resulted in a vote of no confidence against party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and the rejection of Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek not as deputy president.
With negative attention currently blanketing the party’s top leaders, all eyes are now focused on its Youth members. How are they absorbing the situation? Do they agree with the EGM's outcome?
How can they turn the current predicament to work to their advantage?
Those Malay Mail spoke to yesterday all agreed on one thing – clear out the top leaders so new ones can take over.
This was what four MCA Youth members had to say:
Lau Chin Kok, 32, Titiwangsa Youth division member:
“I find the EGM outcome convenient because both Ong and Chua should leave to make way for new leadership. I also believe that having the EGM was the best way to resolve conflicts such as this. The EGM spells democracy. There is no better way. Leaders must be able to endure criticism as well as provide solutions to problems, as opposed to them being the problem.
As Youth members, we must be more vocal in our views and opinions. If we see a leader doing wrong, we must tell him, instead of keeping quiet. How else can the party grow? Political parties can’t act as non- governmental organisations (NGOs), always doing humanitarian work for society. Leave that to the NGOs. Political parties should strive to improve government policies to keep up with the times. At present, there are many government agencies with overlapping policies and duties, such as in the public transport industry.
This is what political parties should fight for – to standardise policies to make it better for the entire country.”
Lai Chee Hoe, 30, Petaling Jaya North Youth division deputy secretary:
“The results were unexpected but one that I agree with. Maybe with the top two leaders out, younger leaders such as Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (MCA vice-president) have the opportunity to showcase their skills. But it would not be an easy ride for the younger leaders, especially those serving in the Cabinet. They are probably going to have a much tougher time putting forward their views, simply because they are going to be overshadowed by the more experienced players. The party’s primary target should be to regain confidenceof the public. For the Youth members, that is what we should strive for right now.”
Victor Gu Chian Peow, 32, Damansara Utama Youth division member:
“I respect and accept the outcome of the EGM. I believe everyone else does too, because there was no rejection of the voting results.
I also can’t blame one party more than the other because both had their rationale for doing what they did. But this is the reality of it. All political parties will have their internal differences. People will always have differing ideologies.
What’s important right now is for our Youth members to take this situation as a learning experience. We must consider whether this is the best way to resolve conflicts or can we do better in future? I joined MCA Youth a couple of years ago because I believed in Ong Ka Ting’s political vision when he was in power – to make the party younger, stronger and more energised. In order for us to achieve this vision, Youth members must unite, now more than ever.”
Tee Hooi Ling, 34, Beliawanis MCA chief:
“The outcome of the EGM really surprised me. I had hoped the votes would swing to only one side, any side. If that had happened, then I believe it would have been a lot easier for the party to establish a common ground and unite. But now, there’s a possibility that both the leaders may be leaving, which leaves us a very uncertain future. When I first joined MCA in 1995, I truly believed the party could do good for the Chinese community. I still do, but the party really has to step up from here on. Now, I just want to see what will be the outcome of the Central Committee meeting on Thursday. I hope it will be able to come up with the best solution for the party
