The challenges facing the new MCA leadership are more complex than those faced by Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik when the latter tookover the helm,argues DR HENG PEK KOON. Globalisation and Islamic resurgence present Malaysian Chinese with new vulnerabilities.
IN this year of transition for Malaysian politics, the MCA marked a historic watershed on May 23. Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik’s statesman-like transference of power to Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting not only ensured a smooth leadership transition for a party wracked by faction fighting over the last 17 months, but it also positioned the MCA well for Umno’s power transition in October when Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will succeed Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Malaysia’s Prime Minister and Umno president.
