Two Wings and prayers, but no big guns at MCA ‘outsiders’ vigil (Malaysian Insider - 20.11.2009)

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.

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.

http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/43993-two-wings-and-prayers-but-no-big-guns-at-mca-outsiders-vigil

將成立論壇解決問題‧黨團青年對話達共識 (Sin Chew-15.11.2009)

2009-11-15 11:01

吉隆坡）來自各政黨的青年團及青年組織代表，今日（週六，11月14日）在律師公會青年律師委員會主辦的，締造更美好的馬來西亞青年對話會中達成成立論壇的共識。

律師公會青年律師委員會主席賴志豪說，這次對話會是個良好的平台，讓來自國陣與民聯的青年團及青年組織對課題進行討論，並尋求解決方案。

“週六只是一個開始，日後新成立的論壇，將繼續鼓勵青年團體對各種課題展開討論。”

馬青、民青團、公青團、社青團、人民進步黨青年團和動力青年的代表，在長達1小時45分鐘的對話會，討論有關種族課題及探討針對單一源流學校的意見。

行動黨副宣傳秘書張念群指出，各代表對單一源流學校存有不同的見解，大家都能提出本身的看法。

她說，任何政策不應以種族作為出發點，雖然週六討論的課題，不會立即就在週一（11月16日）成為政策，但青年將是日後的決策人，有個共同努力的平台。

出席對話會者包括公青黨副團長法立、中委林秀玲、馬青中委許勝傑、聯邦直轄區法律局成員王威稂、人民進步黨青年團副團長哈力、動力青年代表盧傳文及李凱倫。

星洲日報／大都會‧2009.11.14

http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/83704

为更好的马来西亚青年领袖对话会 一线领袖没出席失看头 (Kwong Wah - 15.11.2009)

二零零九年十一月十五日 凌晨十二时六分

（吉隆坡14日讯）吉隆坡律师公会青年律师委员会举办“为更好的马来西亚青年领袖对话会”，原是让各朝野政党青年团领袖聚集讨论国内社会课题，可惜多数一线领袖皆没出席，失去精彩看头。

吉隆坡律师公会青年律师委员会主席赖志豪表示，这次的对话会主要是找个机会，让国阵和民联的青年团建立一个沟通的平台，针对国内的时事课题，进行讨论和想出解决方案。

他说，各政党代表们可以在对话会上，放下政治立场，发表自己对国内时事课题的看法。“1小时40分钟的对话会原本是要讨论6项议程，当中包括民族关系、内安法令、双党合作、社会基本自由、国会改革和国家前景的课题，很可惜，由于时间关系，大家只能完成第一项民族关系的课题。”

他希望能在下一次会议完成其余的5项议程。他也透露，各朝野政党的代表也一致同意举办一个论坛，让更多人能够透过论坛发表自己对国家课题的意见。

马青中委许胜杰和马青联邦直辖区法律局成员王威稂则代表马华出席，其他政党代表包括人民进步党青年团代表嘉玛鲁丁古拉汉、公正当青年团中委林秀凌、法里滋、动力青年（Youth 4 change）召集人李凯伦和卢传文。巫青团团长凯里和国大党青年团T莫汉则缺席，也没有委派代表出席。

单一源流学校　朝野意见不一

近日来备受国人所关注的单一源流学校课题，也是今日在对话会上讨论的课题之一，来自朝野政党青年团代表皆对此课题各有不同意见。

行动党副宣传秘书兼沙登国会议员张念群不认同实施单一源流学校，她是代表行动党社青团总团长陆兆福出席今次的对话会。

她说，行动党的立场，是单一源流学校政策无助于国民团结，虽然如此，他们并没有反对其他支持此政策的领袖发表他们的意见。

她认为，政府所实施的各项政策，不应从种族角度出发，国家的政策须以人民利益为主。通过今次对话会，让个朝野政党青年团领袖公开讨论自己的意见，拉近彼此之间对相关课题的分歧，一起为国家未来努力。

另一个支持单一源流学校政策的是人民进步党青年团代表嘉玛鲁丁古拉汉，他认为，单一源流学校能够促进国民团结。

他在记者会上指出，这是其中一种方法，让各族学生有机会在一个环境，共同学习彼此了解。

另一方面，动力青年召集人李凯伦也表示，希望代表们能把今次的对话会的结果，传达给母体知道，拉近两者间的了解，以便在共同解决国家课题上，能够更顺利地完成。

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2009/11/15/7.html

ROS decision wrong, MCA CC decision stands (Malaysiakini-9.11.2009)

Lai Chee Hoe Nov 9, 09 5:35pm

I refer to the Malaysiakini report Chua is deputy president: ROS shocker.It is disheartening to see a deputy president of the MCA resorting to pleading the Registrar of Society to reinstate him in his position. This is short of getting external forces to meddle in MCA's affairs. I will now explain why the decision of ROS is wrong and not in accordance with the constitution of the MCA.

Firstly, let me quote the letter of reply from ROS. The grounds of reinstatement by ROS states:

'Jabatan ini berpendapat bahawa tidak berlaku kekosongan jawatan Timbalan Presiden MCA memandangkan keputusan resolusi Mesyuarat Agung Luar Biasa (EGM) MCA pada 10hb Oktober 2009 tidak memenuhi keperluan dua pertiga (2/3) majoriti seperti yang diperuntukkan di bawah Perkara 35 Perlembagaan MCA'.

The basis of reinstatement by ROS was that Article 35 of the MCA constitution stipulates that the general assembly may dismiss any party official if approved by at least two-thirds of the delegates. The ROS's grounds appear to suggest that since this two-thirds was not achieved in removing the deputy president, he should remain in office and the results of the EGM should be overturned.

With all due respect to the decision, the ROS fails to grasp that the deputy president was not removed by the general assembly in the EGM conducted on Oct 10 but was instead removed by virtue of the MCA presidential council adopting the findings of the MCA disciplinary board and thereafter having his membership suspended by the MCA central committee.

If the motion to reinstate him was not carried, the decision of the central committee still stands and he should abide by the decision of the central committee.

Article 125 allows the disciplinary board to report to the presidential council and Article 128 provides that the decision of the central committee on matters of discipline shall be final and conclusive.

In this regard, since the motion to reinstate Chua at the Oct 10 EGM wass not carried, the results of the EGM have had no impact on the decision of the central committee, which in any event, is final and conclusive.

As a senior party leader, Chua should have an in-depth understanding of the constitution and not further confuse the public by filing an appeal to the ROS. We need leaders who have integrity and not those who would do anything just to cling on power.

http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/117003

遇攫匪最好報案‧律師：動武或被控 (Sin Chew-6.11.2009)

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）吉隆坡青年律師公會主席賴志豪勸請公眾在遇到攫奪匪，本身又沒受到生命威脅的情況時，最好的方法是向警方報案，以避免追匪而釀成不幸事件。

他說，在法令下，即使其中一方犯錯，任何人都不可以擅自奪走另一個人的生命，除非是在自衛

他解釋，所謂的自衛是，受害者在匪徒亮刀或亮鎗的情況下，或在生命受到威脅下使用合理的武力反擊是可以被接受的；相反的，受害者在不合理的情況下使用不合理的武力，導致對方生命受威脅，就會反被控告。

他週四（11月5日）受詢時向《星洲日報》說，發生攫奪案時，受害者最好直接向警方報案，不要用自己的生命與匪徒對抗，因為這可能導致自己或其他人的生命受威脅。

“受害者上庭時面對的另一個問題是很難找到證人證明自己所處的情況，因為這些證人通常是素未謀面的公眾人士，即使是登報尋找證人也沒人會理會。況且，大多數的過路人都不瞭解實際的情

況。”

星洲日報‧2009.11.06

http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/137256?tid=1

優異生溺斃泳池‧律師：須視當時情況‧家屬討公道須確定數元素 (Sin Chew 24.9.2009)

2009-09-24 09:32
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）泳池溺斃案家屬在通過法律討公道前，必須視個別情況而定，包括是否涉及個人疏忽、泳池狀況及案發時的情況。

律師公會青年律師委員會主席賴志豪表示，死者家屬可提出控訴，但事前必須確定起訴的元素。
他週三（9月23日）針對9歲男童參加同學生日會時溺斃泳池後，死者父母擬通過法律討公道受詢時，發表談話。

他說，男童家屬在上述個案中可對公寓管理層及家長提出控訴，惟必須確定幾個元素包括當中是否存疏忽成份、男童是否受邀出席生日會及泳池開放時間等。

此外，前律師公會主席楊映波建議死者家屬尋求律師的援助，因為這些案件必須視當時的情況定奪。

楊映波以酒店泳池溺斃案舉例說，溺斃案家屬必須掌握幾個要素，包括泳池開放時間、救生員執勤狀況等再討公道。

彭運明：家長須負責安全校外聚會須成人監督

全國國民型華文中學校長理事會主席彭運明表示，家長在校外範圍邀請孩子的同學參加私人聚會時，至少必須有成人在旁監督，以防萬一。

他說，主辦學生私人聚會的家長有必要對受邀學生的安全負責，尤其小學生安全問題更是不可忽視。

星洲日報‧2009.09.24

http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/410414?k

MCA Youth speaks (Malay Mail 13.10.2009)

MCA Youth speaks

EGM result unexpected, but party needs new leadership to regain public confidence

NAJIAH NAJIB

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

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/15628-mca-youth-speaks