With the formal ban of democratic contests in MCA, the party is finally dead. What is a political party if its constitution and constitutional guarantees of the rights of members are torn asunder by another party ?

Although the name and mere legality of MCA as an organisation still exist, its political identity or soul is no more. It has been killed and taken away by Umno and self-serving MCA leaders themselves, whether they are from Team A or Team B.

While Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, party president Dr Ling Liong Sik and leaders Ong Ka Teng, Lim Ah Lek, Chua Jui Meng and Ong Tee Keat have shared vested interests of retaining their positions, we, ordinary members of MCA, have none.

We just want a truly independent, honourable and democratic MCA to work for the good of all Chinese Malaysians.

Now that MCA is dead, we might as well consider abandoning the empty shell without a soul. We might as well consider seriously joining and supporting DAP, Keadilan and PRM to work directly with other races for the restoration of democracy and human rights for all, including Chinese Malaysians. Let us think seriously about it.