There is now a widespread but malicious rumour that MCA president, Dato' Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik, his wife and son, and a business friend, Andrew Leong, have profited personally from the party's purchase of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press. It is alleged that they use the money to 'save' Lim Hee Leong, the son of Dr Ling who is said to be heavily in business debt.

Dato' Seri Ling Liong Sik has denied the unfounded allegations openly. He even challenged the accusers to lodge police reports or file a suit against him. I congratulate the courage of Dr Ling to confront the malicious allegations head-on.

It is normal for politicians' sons and daughters to do business. Even Umno president and Premier Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad's sons are no exception. Politicians and top leaders of the country have made tremendous sacrifices for the nation and people; why can't their sons and daughters be allowed to enjoy a bit of what their fathers and mothers do not?

However, the larger problem, as I see it, is that there is a group with secret agenda within the MCA trying to destabilise the party and overthrow the leadership of Dr Ling in order to realise their personal ambitions.

These people include deputy president Lim Ah Lek, vice-president Chua Jui Meng, youth chief Ong Tee Keat and other frustrated losers in the democratic system in MCA.

Without popular support within the party, the Gang of 8 spreads all kinds of malicious rumours against Dr Ling and vice-president Ong Ka Ting. Their objective is clear: to seize power in MCA by destabilising the leadership and creating trouble.

In the process, they destabilise the Barisan Nasional. In this regard, I hope Dr Mahathir would order the police to arrest the Gang of 8 under the Internal Security Act (ISA) because if BN is weakened, national security is in jeopardy. It is better for Dr Mahathir to act fast and firm to save MCA and BN.

Alternatively, the government should check the income tax files of the Gang of 8 and see where their political funds come from. The Gang of 8 should not be self-righteous. All politicians need fund to move around, they and Dr Ling are no different. Perhaps, the Gang of 8 should declare their income and wealth to the public before they continue to make allegations against president Dr Ling.