Finally, Chua Jui Meng decided to join PKR. In a democratic country, we have a freedom of choice and that includes political affiliations. When a senior party leader joins another party, they may have their reasons, some of which may be apparent, some of which may not be so to us. As a MCA leader, I view any senior MCA leaders leaving MCA as a cause for concern. I wish him good luck. Jui Meng says that he left MCA because of his belief in the 2 party system. Within the party, he did not have any problem or pressure that ultimately influenced him to join PKR.
The MCA President talked frequently about external pressure and forces that prevent him from discharging his duties. In politics, leaders are always subjected to pressures from various parties. My pressures are from within the party and also external forces. I take it that it is part of my occupational hazard. I don’t complain openly. I do not try to paint the picture that I am a hero that can face all these pressures. I am just human and regard all these pressures and forces as part of my challenge in the discharge of my duty.
If the President has a lot of external forces that prevent him from discharging his duties effectively, then as the most senior leader in MCA and as a minister, he should know what to do. MCA practices collective leadership and if he faces problem either within the party or outside the party, then he should share with all of us. Together, we will share his burden.
During this difficult time, people want to see leaders solving problems confronting the nation and the party. They want to see us do more work and less talk. The Prime Minister has unveiled a series of new policies in his first 100 days. It is up to the leaders of the component parties to help to realize his 1 Malaysia with priorities to the rakyat, hence, not just talk but do work. After all, we are judged by our performance. Otherwise, we will be condemned.