From Malaysia Chronicle: Why is Umno seen as drifting further and further from the Malays by Jebat Must Die:
This article seems to strike a chord in me, as a Chinese growing up during the young years of Malaysia, since she gained Independence in 1957.
MCA is seen as the usual way for any young man to join in order to improve his career prospects. As a student in TAR College, I was envious of a classmate's family Mercedes having an 'Emergency' sticker which was useful during or in between curfews imposed soon after May 13, 1969.
Those families involved in larger businesses were directly or indirectly involved in MCA, and being with the opposition parties like DAP, meant other businessmen might not want to associate with, for fear of repercussions like non-renewal of permits or licences. Till today, there are businessmen and professionals who might support federal opposition parties but would not want to be open about it!
But living in Jalan Ipoh, most Chinese were supporters of Dr. Tan Chee Khoon for being outspoken and sincere in helping the less fortunate. The stories of discrimination in terms of race or political affiliation affected us a lot. The history of Dr. Tan's hold in Kepong is legendary and the joke goes that the people were prepared to live with potholes and poor maintenance of public facilities just to show their disgust. This opposition stronghold is currently being held by MP for several terms, YB. Dr. Tan Seng Giaw, Deputy Chairman of DAP.
As a result of this perception of joining MCA for gain, I have never been tempted to join as I dislike being viewed as an opportunist. When I was working for my late brother who was a small time housing developer, he was well known for getting Certificates of Fitness on time. With his years of experience, he could coordinate the various stages of construction well and did what were required promptly. But despite proper work done, it would be naive to think approvals from the relevant authorities were given as a matter of course. I did not like the wheeling and dealing that goes with the business. But I was sheltered from those and just got the administration done. I could have learned the tricks of the trade but chose not to.
But when I think about MCA, the world is really small. In UK I was with Tan Koon Swan's brother. In fact, in Form 5, I almost attended a tuition class given by TKS. As we know, TKS became President for a short period. Then when working in KL, a house purchaser said she is a niece of Ong Ka Ting, who later became President too! Besides, I used to hear of a 'lou kham' who had played mahjong with Lee San Choon, and another who had lunch with Dr. Chua Soi Lek! Wah! that was really lots of names dropping!
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