A veteran journalist has detailed the shortcomings of MCA and argued that if it has nothing to contribute, its leaders should steer clear of cabinet positions.

On the issue of corruption, A Kadir Jasin pointed out that MCA's call on the government to eradicate graft is nothing new.

In his latest blog posting, the former New Straits Times editor-in-chief noted that accusing the civil servants of being corrupt is too sweeping a statement.
                                            
"The new MCA leadership must admit that to commit a corrupt act you need a giver and receiver. Who normally gives?" he asked.

Kadir added that MCA should state that it will tell the Chinese-based Chambers of Commerce, trades associations and guilds to stop practicing bribery.

"Who does not know that contractors and developers are the biggest culprits? MCA should tell them to stop bribing the local councils, land offices and regulatory authorities.

"MCA and Gerakan should be in the forefront in stopping these people from practicing corruption. Then only will the people take them seriously," he added.

Furthermore, Kadir said the clean up must start with MCA members themselves.

"Surely people still remember that two ex-MCA ministers were charged in court with criminal breach of trust (CBT). Go all out and fight corruption if MCA wants to win back Chinese support," he added.

On the MCA extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to decide on whether it should return to the cabinet, Kadir said if the party has nothing to contribute, it is best for it to remain on the outside.

"No need to waste time and money on the EGM.

"If MCA cannot contribute anything new to the cabinet, better stay out and criticise the government if it does the wrong things. In that way, MCA can gain some credibility and hopefully by GE14 can win a few extra seats for BN.

"As it is, the cabinet is already huge and the government has just announced cost cutting measures. So there is no need to enlarge the cabinet just to accommodate MCA. The new leaders must first prove that they can contribute,” he added.

Don't pretend that all Chinese are rich

Kadir also said that there is no point in asking for the goods and services tax (GST) rate to be fixed at four percent instead of six percent.

"MCA has many businessmen and economists. Let us know the basis why they want the reduction. At least the government has argued that it needs money and the six percent rate can help avert financial crisis.

"The Chinese control the economy. We all know that most developers are Chinese. We also know that prices of properties are skyrocketing. Why doesn’t MCA do something?" he said.

"Sit down with the developers to find ways and means to reduce prices. When developers say houses around RM1 million are cheap compared to other countries, MCA just keeps quiet, as if in cahoots with them," he added.

Kadir said MCA cannot pretend that all Chinese are rich.  

"True, there are some Chinese who can afford multi-million ringgit houses, big cars, private jets, helicopters and yachts, but the majority can't afford expensive houses. Some are still as poor as the Malays and Indians. What is MCA doing about it?

"Surely there are engineers, architects and quantity surveyors who can help MCA to work out cost and show just how expensive properties have become due to speculation and profiteering, and how the majority of rakyat have been priced out of the housing market.

"MCA will be doing a great service to the people by showing them just how greedy developers have become. They keep demanding for higher density, resulting traffic jams, parking problems and social issues," he added.

Kadir said MCA does not need to be in government to do good deeds for the people.

"It can come up with convincing arguments to help the rakyat survive in this difficult time and win back their confidence. Then only will there be a fighting chance to win back Chinese votes.  Bring forth fresh ideas to gain respect and support," he added.