Choice of candidates partly to blame: Fong

Yes, it is a pity that in the last several months, the public's focus was in the
Snoop Squad.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn says the party’s choice of candidates partly contributed to its setback in the March 8 general election. Party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who holds absolute power to appoint candidates, should indeed be held responsible for this, he said, but added that the party can pick up its pieces without having to change its chief. In an interview with Oriental Daily News, he said to reform the party does not necessarily mean removing the president, as reform depends on the collective decisions and efforts of the party as a whole. The ever low-key party heavyweight who defied pundits by defending the Alor Gajah parliamentary constituency with a thumping victory in the general election but was dropped from the cabinet, is not at all pessimistic about the party’s future despite it being plagued by a series of incidents Snoop Squad¡, anti-Ong Ka Ting movement, and rows within branches and divisions after being shaken by the March political tsunami. He is convinced that MCA is still strong at its foundation, and despite the low morale in the face of the polls setback, as long as the party central shows party members the way, they would repay with strong support for the party.

Excerpts of the interview:
Q: Some people deem choice of candidates was a big factor for MCA¡¯s March 8 polls setback. How do you see it?
A: The setback suffered by Barisan Nasional, including MCA, was due mainly to discontent with the government that had built up over the years with its policy and implementation bias, an overly powerful Umno etc. Besides, everyone had the “BN sure win” mentality, which was another factor. It cannot be denied that MCA’s setback was also due to its choice of candidates. Some former candidates who were still young and who enjoyed support in their constituencies were dropped.

Q: Some say the president should take the rap for this, while others say the whole leadership should be held responsible. What do you think?
A: Based on tradition, this (fielding of candidates) is the top leader¡’s right, which was entrusted upon the president by the central committee. The president indeed has the power to make his choice and we can’t do much. The party and BNhave to support those he picks. This is our discipline and tradition. Of course the president has to shoulder a big responsibility, but he only makes the final decision after consulting the state liaison chairmen and local (branch or division) leaders. And we, as members of the party leadership, could only offer our opinions. In other words, the president is responsible as the decision on a candidate was his, but if there was sabotage, the party is responsible.

Q: Was sabotage a serious problem in the March 8 general election?
A: It is a debatable question, but what is more important is we want to treat it as a learning experience and forge ahead. This is because in the next general election, MCA will not have any more safe seats, even in Malacca and Johor. The Opposition had in the past concentrated its attack in the north, and having established itself in the north, it is bound to expand its bases to the south. We better get prepared.

Q: Although you said the party wants to forge ahead, to date we have yet to see anything tangible on reforming the party?
A: Yes, it is a pity that in the last several months, the public’s focus was on the Snoop Squad¡. It is important that we don’t waste time, because the grassroots are waiting for analyses (of the polls setback) and the party’s new direction of its struggle from the party leadership. We have to focus our attention these next few months on setting new direction for the party to bring back its former glory.

Q: How will the party boost members’ morale after suffering the polls setback and being beset with internal bickering?
A: MCA has a strong point, i.e. the branches and members throughout the country have not abandoned the party. Though they may be low in morale, if we have the opportunity to explain to them the party’s future direction and plans, they will be even more supportive of the party. The party will kick off its nationwide roadshow to brief party members on its new plans this month in Penang, followed by Perlis and Negri Sembilan.

Q: Some say, to expedite reform in MCA, it has to change its president. What do you think?
A: MCA elections are around the corner, so leave it to the central delegates to decide. The focus of party goals is decided by the party, so there is no need to change the president to be able to effect reform in the party.

Q: Is there a possibility that MCA might leave BN or become a multi-racial party?
A: I personally feel it will not be a good decision for MCA, which has, for decades, been with the BN in developing the country, and to leave the coalition over the results of a general election.