I refer to the letter MCA ministers must be morally upright.

While the writer does not mention any name, it is clear from the contents of the letter that he is referring to a particular ex-minister from MCA.

While he is entitled to his opinion, I would like to emphasise that before one judges another person’s character or morals, one must look at oneself.

If we follow what the writer wants, then there will be no one who is fit to be a minister. Are all MCA members free from sin themselves? Is everyone morally upright? The answer, in all likelihood, is no.

Does it mean that if one has not been exposed publicly, then one is free from sin?

I am an MCA member and I am aware that the writer himself is also an MCA minister. It is also through inside knowledge that I know he is close to the current party president.

While I am not saying that there is anything wrong in being close to the party president, should I be in a position to cast aspersions on anybody’s character? If I were to question the motives of his letter would I be wrong?

There is even a rumour that he is being considered for a senatorial appointment. But it would be wrong for me to doubt his character. I cannot doubt his character in any such a way. Whatever, his motives, that is something only he knows.

He will have to answer for his actions himself. Or to God if he is a believer. But what I can say is that the ex-minister he is referring to is someone who has accepted responsibility for what he has done.

That is something between him and his family. It is not for us to judge. He is someone who has been voted in by a big number of MCA delegates.

To continue casting aspersions on his character is to question the judgment and intelligence of all those who had voted for him.

In order for MCA to survive the New Malaysia we are in now, it is imperative that we close ranks.

By sidelining this former minister, all those who voted for him are also being sidelined.

Is it fair to continue bringing up past issues? We should consider the fact that whatever he has done - or did not do - did not actually affect any member directly.

We must only consider the capabilities and service record of our leaders.

Let those without sin cast the first stone. And if you are indeed without sin, and of course that is a possibility, then please carry on. If not, then it is best you examine your own character first before one so easily attacks others.