MALAYSIAN CHINESE: THE MOST PROGRESSIVE LOT

MCA 2008 election results, where Malaysia's high profile Chinese political party got an overhaul says plenty about the Chinese community in Malaysia. It was especially gratifying to see Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek appointed to vice-president and deputy president posts.

Friends who are close observers had loudly proclaimed that if these two candidates lost, it would have been the handiwork of the "two brothers in Mca." Obviously, the MCA members would not have any of that and the capable candidates prevailed. What the MCA 2008 election results shows is that Malaysian Chinese are progressive and firm believers in the concept of dissent and the power of criticism, from top-down. The results also point to the path that, thankfully, capability takes centre stage over personal problems.

People are not interested in posturing and moralizing -- when the reality is that in life, sometimes, things do not go according to plan in people's personal lives. What is most important is that the quality of work and high standards are maintained in one's work. A willingness to fight for the greater good is also a more important quality to have in one's politician.

Another interesting things about the MCA website where the MCA Central Committee Election Results are posted (http://www.mca.org.my/English/Commentaries/Pages/ElectionResultsofMCACentralCommitteefor2008-2011.aspx), is the fact that the results just carry names of the victors and candidates. No titles, no airs, no pretensions.

This page implies that MCA is not interested in tripping over titles. The ability to serve and do one's work well is most important.