In the first of a two-part interview with malaysiakini, Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye answers questions from readers, most of whom want to know more about the party's feud with its Barisan Nasional compatriot MCA.

The relationship between MCA and Gerakan over the years is best described as a 'roller- coaster ride with more downs than ups'. Recently there was some attempt to make amends in Perak. What triggered that effort and was it a temporary measure in view of the upcoming general election ?

Chia Kwang Chye: At the national level, we don't really have problems, but there may be some isolated and localised issues between Gerakan and MCA members at lower levels.

The main point of contention is Penang. It is the definitely the crown jewel as it is the only state in Peninsular Malaysia where there is any chance of a non-Umno chief minister (being appointed).

Since Gerakan defeated MCA in 1969 and took over the chief minister's post, the relationship has not been smooth. But there have been efforts to make amends and reduce hostility at the top and middle levels.

Of course, this is also done in view of the general election. People in general do not want to see Gerakan and MCA quarreling in public. Whether it will last is yet to be seen. I hope it can continue but it also takes two to clap.

More importantly, we need to accept each other's role in Barisan Nasional. MCA plays a more prominent role at the national level and Gerakan provides the leadership for Penang. If we can all accept this, I think there will be (a better) chance that the relationship will improve.

On the other hand, if we continue to ask for more positions or if MCA continues to try and get back the chief minister's post, there will be no end to the conflict.

MCA is often seen as trying to limit the influence and expansion of Gerakan. Do you think this perception is justified?

I would say that the perception is justified though Gerakan does not see it that way. We have our own agenda - not to grab more seats, but to realise the creation of Bangsa Malaysia.

What are the areas MCA and Gerakan can work on to strengthen the ties or lessen the potential areas of conflict?

We can work on bigger issues... national issues and long term objectives such as the Vision 2020.

Education is one area where we can work together, for example over the proposal to re-introduce English-language teaching in national schools.

Since Gerakan works on diverse issues, including non-Chinese issues, we can assist (MCA) in these areas. Even though MCA is a Chinese party, it has to recognise the role played by non-Chinese voters.

On our side, we recognise also the co-operation and effort put in by MCA, especially Lim Ah Lek, Chan Kong Choy and the MP of Bentong, to help us win the Ketari by-election. Co-operation was at its height then. Unfortunately the Penang issue (with the outer ring road and suspension of two MCA state assembly persons) reversed the whole thing.

Is it logical to assume that there are many members of Gerakan and MCA with 'dual' membership? If this is true, is it against the principle of a political party to accept this situation?

There is such a possibility but we have never matched our membership information. It is difficult to speculate but dual membership is against the constitution of Gerakan.

New members have always been required to make a declaration that they are not members of other parties. We have recently also made it compulsory for new applicants to submit photostat copies of their identity cards as well as their photograph. Some people do complain that although they have sent in their resignation letters, these may not have been accepted by the other party.

Of the four major parties in Peninsular Malaysia, Gerakan is often seen as a marginal player with its base in Penang. How can your party play a significant role in national politics when your power base and political influence is limited to a few states?

The power base is very important. It is the showcase for the rest of the country. A power base like Penang is most important but after that, we have to spread our influence. I think numbers and physical areas may not be the most important indications now with the rapid pace of information spread through new technology. Gerakan has never aimed to be the biggest party but a thought leader in issues and ideas.

It is a known fact that the Chinese population is decreasing. Since Gerakan was formed on the principle of a 'multi-racial' representation, do you think Gerakan is strategically better off than MCA (whose representation is solely for Chinese Malaysians)?

Yes. The Chinese population is dwindling at quite a rapid pace so (Chinese-based parties) would be affected by this.

Political parties must re-invent themselves all the time and to make themselves relevant to the political and social development of the country. Of course, it does not mean that we have to change ideals and objectives, but we have to re-examine each party's role.

The trend should be for parties to be multi-racial to reflect the realities of the country. It should also be a political right for all citizens to be associated with or join any political organisation without restrictions based on their race, religion or colour. It should just be because they subscribe to the ideals and objectives of the party.

Umno is slowly becoming a bumiputera-based party rather than being a purely Malay-based party. MCA is also changing.

Gerakan is often touted as a multi-racial party but yet the party is perceived as a mainly Chinese-based party. What has Gerakan done in the past to try to change this impression and what are the obstacles that the party faces in becoming a true multi-ethnic party?

We have always had to deal with the two issues of form and content. Form means that we should have a semblance of leadership and membership which reflects the ethnic composition of the population.

Content, however, states that members should think like Malaysians and use a non-racial approach in resolving issues.

Form matters, but we cannot place too much emphasis on it. Does a multi-racial party mean we have to have 65% Malay, 30% Chinese and 5% Indians? We don't think it should be this way because the reality is that many people still do not think like Malaysians.

Finally, the thinking is still more important. The party constitution must allow all Malaysians to join the party if they wish to do so.

Tomorrow: Gerakan's stand on the Islamic state