'We support PM, not Ling: Team B' (Dec 20) certainly sounds like Team B is trying to procure the prime minister's patronage and support in its struggle against the incumbent's more dominant faction in terms of control over MCA's infrastructure and apparatus.

By all means, Team B can embark on road shows as Team A can work on party machinations to remove Team B's influence. However, attempts by any faction or both factions to get PM's support is regrettable because the Umno president and prime minister should be above and not be implicated in the fray. It brings discredit to MCA and goes against the grain of contesting on level playing field when one side recruits the support of that 'kingmaker'.

Internal power struggles should be slugged out in accordance to the party's bylaws and the next party elections.

Right now MCA factions are more interested in internal power issues like suspension of the Youth wing than national issues like racial segregation in schools.

To blame Dr Ling Liong Sik solely as the cause of party disunity is like the pot calling the kettle black. Both sides are equally responsible. Team A in aftermath of Nanyang Press Holdings takeover seeks to purge the opponents. The open defiance of Team B at every juncture is equally divisive.

To both factions: Don't borrow the Chinese community's name or the excuse of democracy to cover your naked struggle for power based on ambitions.

Though I don't think Ling's pushing through the Nanyang purchase was wise - and I think Team B has every right to challenge Ling and his men - the dissidents should resist in a dignified manner with some semblance of civility. They should rebel in accordance with party procedures without impairing the party's image by indulging in public mud-slinging through the media, unabashed canvassing of the PM's support, creating a fight in Youth meetings, making separate Hari Raya visits, not applauding when Ling commemorated the Utar inauguration, etc.

I don't know the inside story and am just stating (right or wrong) the impressions of an ordinary Chinese Malaysian who is observing events as a non-partisan bystander, not being a member of MCA or any other political party.