Congratulation to MCA on its 63rd anniversary today.
In giving my opinion as a Malaysian (not as a Malay), I think the Chinese party has done well in forging better understanding and cooperation among multiracial Malaysians. Its moderate approach in attending to some delicate racial issues has earned the party a certain degree of respect and appreciation from other races, particularly the Malays.
True enough, its collaboration within Barisan Nasional is paving the way for the Chinese to be more Malaysians in the sense that the country's upkeep is for them to shoulder with the Malays, Indians, Sikhs and others.
And by feeling 'Malaysians', the Chinese have all the while helped develop the nation, socially and economically. With more Chinese-Bumiputra companies are established to grab the abundant of opportunities in the fast moving economic sector, the level of prejudice among races reached its thinnest level ever.
Of course there are hiccups here and there but those who incited racial disharmony represent just a drop of water in the ocean, so to say.
Whether its done by the Malays, Chinese, Indians or others, Malaysians are getting more absorbed with it to the extent that nobody would want to exaggerate it anymore for one common reason - Malaysian unity will not be rattled by such foolish doings. Racial and religious extremists are always there to batter our national stability, as we all had understood.
I don't care what others think about the MCA and the moderate Chinese inside MCA. I never encountered any problem with my Chinese friends in my own neighborhood or elsewhere. In my kampung, we still practice what we have been doing since the 1960s - to joint hands in every ceremony and events (they include DAP members too).
When it comes to prejudice, I am willing to take criticism from my-fellow Malay bloggers and friends by saying that its the Malays who are more prejudice toward the Chinese, than the Chinese toward the Malays and Indians.
Why? While the Chinese understand Bahasa Malaysia, almost 95 per cent Malays do not understand Mandarin or Cantonese.
In many instances, I saw and overheard how a group of Malays seated at a table next to some Chinese at a restaurant, made similar remarks, 'I think they are mocking at us' when in fact, it was not the case.
I remember while having dinner with Fong Chan On and the Star boss Wong Chun Wai last year, the former MCA minister agreed to my suggestion that our primary schools should introduce Mandarin classes for interested Malay students. The argument is simple - in the years to come, more Malays will be conversant in one of the Chinese dialects and this would erase their prejudice towards their own countrymen.
And as such, more Chinese companies will be open to such Malays. Furthermore, the language is becoming more important as China takes over the US and Japan as the world's major economic power.
Yes, there some Malays who enrolled at Chinese schools but the number is too small. To learn the language, they have to take up language courses elsewhere.
Language is always a barrier to better racial understanding. It is common in many countries. An absolute Malaysian unity can be achieved if the Malays, Chinese and Indians understand each others' language. I am not sure if the government likes the idea but I hope MCA will take up the effort, at least by setting up Mandarin classes for free to those who are willing to acquire it.
Under Dr Chua Soi Lek, MCA has improved its position as a party for the 'moderate Malaysian Chinese'. While the DAP is also getting strong support, as had been the case for Penang, MCA over the past few months saw progress in convincing the Chinese that radical mind does not augur well for a multi-racial Malaysia.
MCA has proven that politic of the moderates is most suitable in the Malaysian context. The DAP, which self-proclaimed as being a demoractic party, turns out to be a party owned by its top executives. I don't remember the last time DAP called for its AGM and had a party election.
The DAP today, which is a Pakatan Rakyat ally, is different from the DAP of yesteryear. It is not just working together with its Pakatan allies PAS and PKR to win seats but is also set to change the fate of the Malaysian Chinese.
As CSL mentioned recently, a vote for DAP is also a vote for PAS. Its a eunuch to PAS, just like Perak case. Even within the BN framework, Umno too is trying to run down PAS - its main foe in the past and coming general elections.
There is also a sign of renewed optimism among the Chinese over MCA. The recent debate between CSL and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has somewhat restored the party's pride and dignity. It is a rare occasion that an MCA leader 'takes the bull by its horns'. However, CSL did it.
MCA, under CSL, is also free from internal tussles. The leaders and members are more forward-thinking and are willing to settle whatever differences within the concept of party spirit. No more is heard about domestic bickering. Even words of disgruntled has subsided.
I believe this is how former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad put Umno under control (except for the 1987 party election which saw Umno declared illegal by the court). CSL's minor 'confrontation with his predecessor Ong Tee Keat has also been put far behind.
From being too defensive, MCA is now going more on the attack. Although the 2008 general election saw the party lost half the number of seats it won in 2004, predictions for the next national poll are more positive. Some political analysts dared to say that the party could help Umno defeat Pakatan Rakyat in Penang.
As MCA celebrates its anniversary, its top leadership should find ways to make changes for the betterment of the party and to Barisan Nasional. Although it looks like a slalom, more aspects of the party's approach in nation-building should be improved if it wants to stay relevant.
Just like Umno, MCA needs reform to its style, approach, attitude and senses. Staying close to Malaysians - irrespective of race - will augur well in making MCA the most sought Chinese party in the country. This will ensure it stays relevant.
The founding fathers of MCA had long subscribed to moderate politics. MCA, under CSL will remain that way. Malaysia is a unique place, and any politics of radicalism and extremism will only tear the country apart.
To my Chinese friends, please remember this - the road to ruin is always kept under good repair. MCA is always there for you.