By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
Youngsters behind face masks. — Pictures by Jack OoiKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — The word on the street was that a protest was going to be held at the MCA headquarters at Jalan Ampang. Reporters came in droves at 7pm. Policemen prepared for any eventuality.
Youngsters behind face masks. — Pictures by Jack OoiKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — The word on the street was that a protest was going to be held at the MCA headquarters at Jalan Ampang. Reporters came in droves at 7pm. Policemen prepared for any eventuality.
What was hyped as a “protest” against the MCA leadership, turned out to be a subdued affair. For one thing, the protestors were mostly youngsters wearing face masks. Pockets of the MCA Youth and Wanita wings’ members attended, but no big names showed up.
“If an MCA leader were to betray and manipulate democracy, the very foundation of the party, just for the sake of retaining power, how can you convince the Chinese community that you will not betray the nation and country when you are facing the temptation of power and personal interest?” asked Lai Chee Hoe, a lawyer who was the appointed spokesman for the night.
He read out the press statement in front of the 60-odd crowd who were dressed in black and holding candles. A rendition of the Negaraku plus the MCA party anthem soon followed suit.
“We are here not in support of any faction... We hope MCA will end this turmoil and regain stability in time to create a better tomorrow,” said Lai, who stressed that the candlelight vigil was not aimed at furthering any political agenda and that all they wanted was a strong MCA.
Chong Sin Woon, MCA Youth CC member for Pandan, attested to the fact that most of the people who attended the vigil were “outsiders”.
“This vigil was mostly initiated by outsiders, young people who are concerned with the future of this party. Now we ask MCA leaders to listen to these young people because of they do not do that, MCA is gone.”
The only excitement in an otherwise sombre affair. He went on to emphasise that the only possible way to realise democracy in the party was to make way for fresh elections.
The candlelight vigil reached its peak moment when people started offering “prayers” for MCA. The youngsters, though seemingly nervous, carried out what they came for.
Aside from the vigil, the only highlight of the evening was when a few people started brandishing anti-Ong Tee Keat/Chua Soi Lek banners.
The banners read in Chinese: “Chua Soi Lek keeps hanging on to deputy post, MCA cannot be rejuvenated with this person in power.
“Party chief Ong Tee Keat loses trust and credibility, has caused the Chinese community to lose face.”
No arrests were made. The banners were taken away by the police. The gathering ended at 9pm.
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