MCA firm on debating social contract but why only behind closed doors?

Malaysia Chronicle

"In today’s globalised world, if we are still telling the ‘rakyat’ that there are issues that cannot be discussed, it is equivalent to being ignorant, stubborn and refusing to change for the better in serving the ‘rakyat’. In the end, those who refuse to change will be abandoned by the people."

The above is a comment from MCA publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok, who issued a statement defending party president Chua Soi Lek after he was blasted by Umno leaders for saying the "social contract" should be allowed to be discussed - but behind closed doors.

It sounds good but think again about the behind closed doors part, and straightaway, it fails all major tests of transparency and universal good motives.

What good is there in discussing such monumental national issues privately? Is there any intention by Soi Lek and his party to take it further than just talk? Will it also not lead to greater 'racism' and racial segregation?

If Malaysians call for the dismantling of the National Civics Bureau or BTN because its courses are perceived to create hatred or fear, what checks-and-balances that MCA leaders won't borrow the same modus operandiand distort the Malay-rights issue to rally Chinese support for themselves?

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Why talk when there is obviously no intention to take it further than speeches and conversations behind closed doors?

If there is, why not openly push for integration and condemn Umno for what is obviously an attempt to corral off an issue that benefits them to keep out of reach of other groups.

Isn't it also irresponsible to allow Soi Lek to deceive the Malaysian Chinese by portraying himself as a hero for them, but when the crunch comes, the MCA will still toe the Umno line and vote whatever Umno says in Parliament?

Should the Chinese - known for their shrewdness - let themselves be tricked by such second-rate cunning?

More importantly, should not Malaysians resist measures that will only compartmentalize rather than harmonize their society further. - Malaysia Chronicle

MCA stands firm on debating social contract

October 23 - The MCA insisted today that the social contract could be discussed behind closed doors, dismissing warnings by Umno delegates to Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to stop questioning Malay rights.

Yesterday, Umno permanent chairman Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin told MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek not to question the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity target.

Negri Sembilan delegate Datuk Jalaluddin Alias also slammed Dr Chua for allegedly interfering in the Umno assembly affairs, following his remarks that the social contract should not be debated openly.

“However, the party disagrees with the view that (the) social contract cannot be discussed at all,” MCA publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok said in a statement today.

“MCA is only voicing out the views of the ‘rakyat’,” he added.

Loh pointed out that Dr Chua merely exercised his right to freedom of speech as enshrined in the Federal Constitution when he suggested that the social contract be discussed behind closed doors.

“(The) ‘rakyat’ can discuss on any issue as long as it is done through legal means in view that the Federal Constitution allows the ‘rakyat’ to have freedom of speech,” said Loh, who is also an MCA central committee member.

When opening the Umno general assembly two days ago, party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak had called for an end to the race debates, saying that the special position of the Malays was part of the social contract agreed before independence in exchange for citizenship for the non-Malays.

He stressed that the issues were enshrined in the Federal Constitution and cannot be amended without the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

Riding on Najib’s guarantee that the Malay constitutional position cannot be reviewed, delegates at the party’s general assembly had urged the party leadership to enhance the protection of Malay political power.

Jalaluddin called for the review of the seat allocation agreement among BN parties in Peninsula Malaysia while Penang delegate Mohamad Farid Saad urged the government to intervene over the problem of low land ownership among the Malays in the state.

Today, Loh warned however that barring people from discussing issues of concern would cause a decline in voter support.

“In today’s globalised world, if we are still telling the ‘rakyat’ that there are issues that cannot be discussed, it is equivalent to being ignorant, stubborn and refusing to change for the better in serving the ‘rakyat’. In the end, those who refuse to change will be abandoned by the people,” he said.

Loh also reiterated the Chinese ruling party’s stand that it was necessary to slice the Bumiputera quota gradually to achieve the country’s goal of becoming a high-income economy.

“Only through gradually reducing the Bumiputera quota and practising meritocracy, it will ensure the country’s economic transformation and growth to continue in achieving a high-income nation,” he said, stressing that MCA’s suggestion to remove the Bumiputera quota in stages was made with the public’s interest in mind.

During the recent MCA Chinese Economic Congress, Dr Chua had called for a reduction of the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity target to liberalise the economy. - Malaysian Insider

Chua: Social contract should be discussed in private

October 22 - The implementation of the social contract can be discussed, but it should be done behind closed doors, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Dr Chua said the party accepted that the social contract was entrenched in the Federal Consti-tution, but said the implementation of it could be “modified and redefined” to serve the interest of all races.

“We feel that there should be room for discussion, and the discussion has to take into consideration the sensitivities of all races.

“It should not be done in the open, but behind closed doors,” he said.

Dr Chua was commenting on the policy speech delivered by Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at 61st Umno General Assembly here yesterday.

He also welcomed Najib’s reminder to members that social stability was the basis to spur national development.

MCA secretary-general and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the speech presented a new direction for Umno members to take the party and the nation forward.

“The Prime Minister reminded Umno members on globalisation, and all citizens regardless of races to work together to be competitive on the world stage,” he said. -The Star-