This is the continuation of the speech dated 17th September 2008. 2 more parts (5 & 6) is forthcoming for this hour long speech.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Jui Meng: MCA must stand up to UMNO
Oct 3 – The MCA needs a president with a track record of standing up to Umno, says presidential candidate Datuk Chua Jui Meng.
Chua, who has called for an end to NEP-type policies, said the MCA will suffer an even heavier defeat at the next general election if a strong leader is not elected.
He said that in the three years since he lost in his first attempt at the MCA presidency, circumstances have changed tremendously.
And this is why he is making another tilt at the No. 1 post despite coming up against what is basically the incumbent leadership.
Despite repeated denials, frontrunner Datuk Ong Tee Keat is effectively the handpicked candidate of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who defeated Chua in 2005.
Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Ka Ting's brother, who is running for deputy president, has publicly backed Tee Keat.
When asked by The Malaysian Insider why he felt he had a chance against Tee Keat, Chua replied: "The party is in crisis after being rejected by its own community. Somebody has to save the party, to give it hope to turn the situation around and make it relevant again."
During the interview, he added that he had foreseen what would happen while campaigning three years ago.
"I warned that even in the aftermath of a great victory in the 2004 general election, Umno's hardening and arrogance in not being mindful of the sensitivities meant that, if MCA did not effect real change, it would become increasingly irrelevant," said the former five-term vice-president.
"I wish I hadn't been right so I can continue to be retired happily, but now I am forced back into national service. Now I am telling the central delegates again, if there is no senior leader with a track record of standing up to Umno leaders, then we're going to go down in the next general election."
The former health minister had recently incurred the ire of four Umno supreme council members when he called for the scrapping of the NEP at the launch of his campaign manifesto.
"They called me a racist but they don't realise the NEP is not a programme for just one race but a national programme that affects all Malaysians.
"I am surprised my opponent dismissed the NEP as an old issue," he said referring to Ong's statement that they had both aired their views on it decades ago when they sat together on the National Economic Consultative Council.
"It has impacted millions over the decades and it must come to an end," he insisted and added that the "racial dichotomy" of the NEP would alienate the 800,000 new voters in the next general elections.
Also a five-time consecutive Bakri MP - he did not run this March and subsequently, MCA lost the seat to DAP - he agreed that it was "very clear" that the Oct 18 party polls was crucial.
"It is absolutely important. It is practically a mission for the central delegates. If they choose wrongly, you will see the same old thing. To become relevant again, we need a senior leader who has experience in the Cabinet and Parliament to negotiate with Barisan Nasional especially Umno by coming to them and saying, 'Look we have transformed, so must you.'"
He said that by the next general election, BN had no alternative but to change and stop being race-centric.
"The obvious answer is no," he answered when asked if race-based parties could still be relevant in the future.
However, he added: "If MCA becomes multiracial now, will Malays and Indians join?"
He said the idea of BN merging into one multiracial party depended on "the capacity to change, then we can move towards being multiracial," but he said he could not speak on behalf of Umno or any other component party on this issue.
But he warned that if the status quo remained, "increasingly MCA will feel it does not serve a purpose," adding that there was already a determination at the grassroots for change, and members were prepared for the party to leave BN.
If this were to happen, Chua suggested that the party "call an EGM to collectively make a decision" on its future in the coalition.
Mud fight! MCA candidates take potshots at each other
From the New Straits Times dated 6th October 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: The contest for the MCA presidency has taken a nasty turn as the two candidates took potshots at each other yesterday.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat criticised his opponent, Datuk Chua Jui Meng, for evading a commitment to participate in a live televised debate.
Chua deflected the accusation, saying that Ong was not telling the whole story.
Ong, at a press conference, implied that his rival had rejected an invitation for a debate due to his poor command of Mandarin.
"Two months ago, the Chinese media had suggested a televised debate on Astro between myself and the other candidates, which I agreed to even if there were no clear opponents at the time.
"However, it did not materialise because my opponent rejected the debate as it was to be done in Mandarin," Ong said without naming Chua, who is English-educated.
Ong stopped short of accusing Chua of wasting time in deciding whether or not there should be a debate.
"I have already indicated that I have time in early October. After that, I will have my hands full with the approaching MCA elections and my responsibilities as a minister.
"Coincidentally, from Oct 13 to 16, we are hosting the Routes International Conference for air carriers and airport managers from the world over, and I have been asked to settle the issue of landing rights (in Malaysia).
"With all that in mind, I end up having to follow (the schedule of) a person who is retired.
"Retirees would have a lot of time on their hands," he said.
Chua, contacted by phone in Kota Kinabalu, said he pulled out because Astro could not agree to having the debate in both Mandarin and English.
He said he could not accept the condition of exclusivity set by the company, which would bar him from accepting debate invitations from other media organisations.
"Although I am English-educated, I can debate in Mandarin, English and Malay.
"In today's Malaysia, the party (MCA) cannot communicate in only one language.
"Tan Sri Wong See Wah (MCA disciplinary board member) has said that our command of English must improve to match that of the Pakatan Rakyat.
"Our standards are too low, so the opposition overwhelmed us.
"Even in the cabinet, English is used 95 per cent of the time," said the former health minister.
Chua noted he had agreed to a debate invitation from Sin Chew Daily a month ago. "However, they have not come back to me and I don't know how he (Ong) responded to them," he said.
Chua stressed that personal attacks would do nothing to help rebuild the party.
"The next (MCA) president will have to build up the party from a position of crisis and this is the biggest challenge that will face a party president in 60 years.
"The party cannot be saved by criticising your protagonist.
"Let's go back to what is important, that is to rebuild, restore and revitalise and this is in both our manifestos," he said.
KUALA LUMPUR: The contest for the MCA presidency has taken a nasty turn as the two candidates took potshots at each other yesterday.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat criticised his opponent, Datuk Chua Jui Meng, for evading a commitment to participate in a live televised debate.
Chua deflected the accusation, saying that Ong was not telling the whole story.
Ong, at a press conference, implied that his rival had rejected an invitation for a debate due to his poor command of Mandarin.
"Two months ago, the Chinese media had suggested a televised debate on Astro between myself and the other candidates, which I agreed to even if there were no clear opponents at the time.
"However, it did not materialise because my opponent rejected the debate as it was to be done in Mandarin," Ong said without naming Chua, who is English-educated.
Ong stopped short of accusing Chua of wasting time in deciding whether or not there should be a debate.
"I have already indicated that I have time in early October. After that, I will have my hands full with the approaching MCA elections and my responsibilities as a minister.
"Coincidentally, from Oct 13 to 16, we are hosting the Routes International Conference for air carriers and airport managers from the world over, and I have been asked to settle the issue of landing rights (in Malaysia).
"With all that in mind, I end up having to follow (the schedule of) a person who is retired.
"Retirees would have a lot of time on their hands," he said.
Chua, contacted by phone in Kota Kinabalu, said he pulled out because Astro could not agree to having the debate in both Mandarin and English.
He said he could not accept the condition of exclusivity set by the company, which would bar him from accepting debate invitations from other media organisations.
"Although I am English-educated, I can debate in Mandarin, English and Malay.
"In today's Malaysia, the party (MCA) cannot communicate in only one language.
"Tan Sri Wong See Wah (MCA disciplinary board member) has said that our command of English must improve to match that of the Pakatan Rakyat.
"Our standards are too low, so the opposition overwhelmed us.
"Even in the cabinet, English is used 95 per cent of the time," said the former health minister.
Chua noted he had agreed to a debate invitation from Sin Chew Daily a month ago. "However, they have not come back to me and I don't know how he (Ong) responded to them," he said.
Chua stressed that personal attacks would do nothing to help rebuild the party.
"The next (MCA) president will have to build up the party from a position of crisis and this is the biggest challenge that will face a party president in 60 years.
"The party cannot be saved by criticising your protagonist.
"Let's go back to what is important, that is to rebuild, restore and revitalise and this is in both our manifestos," he said.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
In the memory of Tunku Abdul Rahman...
Tunku Abdul Rahman is the Father of this nation, and if he was alive today, he would be appalled by the rabid tussle of today's Malaysia.
Quoting from the book Political Awakenings (as referenced by Wikipedia)
"...when we (the Malays) fought against the Malayan Union (which upset the position of the Malays' rights) the others took no part in it because they said this is purely a Malay concern, and not theirs. They also indicate that they owe their loyalty to their countries of origin, and for that reason they oppose the Barnes Report to make Malay the national language. If we were to hand over the Malays to these so-called Malayans when their nationality has not been defined there will be a lot of problems ahead of us."
However, he continued that "For those who love and feel they owe undivided loyalty to this country, we will welcome them as Malayans. They must truly be Malayans, and they will have the same rights and privileges as the Malays."
Kita Semua Bangsa Malaysia, betul tak?
We have undivided loyalty to this country, we have sung Negaraku since we were young, we hold aloft the Jalur Gemilang with pride, we recognise Malay as the national language, Islam as the official religion of this country...
Isn't that enough?
We support fully Dato' Chua Jui Meng's stance to seek closure on the NEP and hope that all UMNO & BN leaders would come together to bring Malaysia towards Vision 2020. (I have included a link to the DEFINITION of VISION 2020 by the PM's Department)
Dato' Chua Jui Meng's Speech in Seremban 17th September 2008 (PART 2 & 3)
This is the continuation of the speech dated 17th September 2008. 3 more parts (4-6) is forthcoming for this hour long speech.
PART 2
PART 3
PART 2
PART 3
As straight as a waving keris...
I quote from Utusan Melayu...
"Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein pula mengingatkan calon pemilihan parti komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) tidak membangkitkan isu sensitif dalam usaha mereka untuk meraih sokongan pada pemilihan parti masing-masing.
"Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein pula mengingatkan calon pemilihan parti komponen Barisan Nasional (BN) tidak membangkitkan isu sensitif dalam usaha mereka untuk meraih sokongan pada pemilihan parti masing-masing.
Menurutnya, tindakan 'menjolok sarang tebuan' itu hanya menidakkan segala usaha pemimpin BN yang selama ini mahu menyatupadukan rakyat.
''Kita faham ini ada kena mengena dengan pemilihan dalam parti masing-masing. Tetapi tindakan itu adalah tidak wajar kerana selepas ini, BN pun perlu berubah dan melalui transformasi.
''Nasihat saya kepada calon yang mahu menang agar jangan keterlaluan sehingga menidakkan apa yang pemimpin BN sebelum ini telah bina,'' katanya.
Menurutnya, calon parti komponen BN itu tidak sewajarnya mengikut rentak parti pembangkang yang memainkan isu perkauman dalam meraih sokongan."
So, I gently remind him (and the others in the same article) of...
突破新价值，创造旧格局
To the benefit of those who does not read mandarin, the above means (as closely as possible) "Destroying New Values, Building (the same) Old Patterns".
I read on The Star that our dear president candidate, Datuk Ong Tee Keat, is quoted of saying that the NEP is no longer an issue - it is old news and have since been superseded and removed. This is the statement of the most grevious error. Why? What is the proof?
Just go to the Federal Government's own website for the Prime Minister's Department Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Key Policies @ http://www.epu.jpm.my/new%20folder/development%20policies/keypolicies.htm. Scroll down - you don't have to look far, the 2nd Policy on the list is... There you see the words (I am putting it in caps) NEW ECONOMIC POLICY. Click on it and you reach another page (HERE for the lazy ones) and there is spells out clearly that we are still under the New Economic Policy!
For nay sayers - I am going to link two more articles and a pdf. The first link is from Project Malaysia entitled The New Economic Policy - For Better and Worse? (You must click the stop button immediately once you see words - or it loads another article. Not sure if it is some devious form of net censorship or just - more likely a site error). The second link is from Opinion Asia - Slaying an Immortal Tiger - Malaysia's New Economic Policy. For good measure - I am including another - this time from the Asia Development Bank Institute. All three seems to consider that the NEP is still in force.
Thus, everyone who says otherwise is either 1) uninformed or 2) Unable to understand English. Even UMNO members in cabinet is inclined to agree that the NEP is still in force (usually by vehemently supporting it!). Thus I can safely say this (any similarities to another blogger is completely intentional) - I believe that Dato' Chua is more qualified to be President of the MCA. At least he understands what government policy is in force and being implemented by the governement!
In addition, as Petaling Jaya Utara Voters will be familiar, the last person who said that the NEP has been replaced was unceremoniously thrown out, beaten by almost 20,000 votes. That was a major defeat for Chew Mei Fun (who is incidentally a supporter of Datuk Ong Tee Keat) - so wise up! Unless you want, in the next General Election, for EVERY MCA CANDIDATE to be SO DEFEATED!
What courage to change? What new values? All I see is the same SILENCE from the MCA on issues that matter to the Chinese community.
And I quote...
Silent Politics is NO POLITICS!
I read on The Star that our dear president candidate, Datuk Ong Tee Keat, is quoted of saying that the NEP is no longer an issue - it is old news and have since been superseded and removed. This is the statement of the most grevious error. Why? What is the proof?
Just go to the Federal Government's own website for the Prime Minister's Department Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Key Policies @ http://www.epu.jpm.my/new%20folder/development%20policies/keypolicies.htm. Scroll down - you don't have to look far, the 2nd Policy on the list is... There you see the words (I am putting it in caps) NEW ECONOMIC POLICY. Click on it and you reach another page (HERE for the lazy ones) and there is spells out clearly that we are still under the New Economic Policy!
For nay sayers - I am going to link two more articles and a pdf. The first link is from Project Malaysia entitled The New Economic Policy - For Better and Worse? (You must click the stop button immediately once you see words - or it loads another article. Not sure if it is some devious form of net censorship or just - more likely a site error). The second link is from Opinion Asia - Slaying an Immortal Tiger - Malaysia's New Economic Policy. For good measure - I am including another - this time from the Asia Development Bank Institute. All three seems to consider that the NEP is still in force.
Thus, everyone who says otherwise is either 1) uninformed or 2) Unable to understand English. Even UMNO members in cabinet is inclined to agree that the NEP is still in force (usually by vehemently supporting it!). Thus I can safely say this (any similarities to another blogger is completely intentional) - I believe that Dato' Chua is more qualified to be President of the MCA. At least he understands what government policy is in force and being implemented by the governement!
In addition, as Petaling Jaya Utara Voters will be familiar, the last person who said that the NEP has been replaced was unceremoniously thrown out, beaten by almost 20,000 votes. That was a major defeat for Chew Mei Fun (who is incidentally a supporter of Datuk Ong Tee Keat) - so wise up! Unless you want, in the next General Election, for EVERY MCA CANDIDATE to be SO DEFEATED!
What courage to change? What new values? All I see is the same SILENCE from the MCA on issues that matter to the Chinese community.
And I quote...
Silent Politics is NO POLITICS!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
ISA & Ahmad Ismail Press Statements - Ignored and 'Buried'
Once again, I would like to highlight the unfair and unprofessional actions of the press. On the 13th of September 2008, Dato' Chua issued a press statement to all the major mainstream media plus a few alternative media.
This press statement was duly ignored and as a result some opinion makers both here in blogosphere as well as the public have a wrong perception on the stand of Dato' Chua on many issues.
Thus I would like to present a press release by Dato' Chua that reflects his stance on the ISA and its recent application.
PRESS STATEMENT BY DATO’ CHUA JUI MENG ON THE ISA ARRESTS
13TH SEPTEMBER 2008
I am alarmed at the news of the arrest of YB Teresa Kok, Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Certain sections of the Government still fail to grasp the new political scenario that has been unveiling itself since 8th March 2008. With these actions they further alienate the electorate and cause unease amongst the governing coalition.
I am especially dismayed at Tan Hoon Cheng’s arrest since she so recently did the nation a favour by exposing racism. Did not the Deputy Prime Minister, who was at the scene at the time apologise for Ahmad Ismail’s statement? Hasn’t UMNO also expressed its opposition to racism by meting out a 3-year suspension to Ahmad Ismail?
Why then is this poor 23-year old girl being detained under the most draconian of laws in Malaysia where she cannot even claim trial? It is blatant discrimination that the man who made seditious statements still walks free while the person who reported him is disproportionately and inappropriately punished.
Rather than closing an embarrassing chapter we have now exacerbated the situation.
The rationale of arresting a sitting Member of Parliament under the ISA must also be explained swiftly by the Prime Minister if he wishes to retain the confidence of the rakyat and that of a nervous and anxious Parliament.
I also note the flip-flop in regards to the restoration of the Malaysia Today website and the subsequent arrest of its editor Raja Petra Kamarudin. The Government is sending mixed signals to the rakyat displaying confusion within its ranks.
I both applaud and support Datuk Seri Rais Yatim when he says that these people should have been charged in the court of law where they have the ability to defend themselves, rather than detained under the ISA.
I believe it is time for Parliament to review and limit the powers of the ISA to ensure that we do not repeat the errors of our past.
I also wish to voice my concern regarding the show cause letters handed to 3 newspapers recently. It is actions like these that cause our Press freedom rankings to be one of the worst in the world. The Government must realise post-March 8 the rakyat of Malaysia will no longer tolerate the suppression of their right to know.
I am also attaching another ignored press statement - this time on Ahmad Ismail.
Ahmad Ismail must be expelled
The Ahmad Ismail issue must be brought to a close. His attempt to excuse his racially divisive rhetoric is a slap in the face to all Malaysians, regardless of party allegiances, race or religion.
His act of violence is not only an offence against Koh Tsu Koon and Gerakan, but against the entire Barisan Nasional.
His actions are a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government. With his arrogant outbursts he dares to hold the whole country to ransom.
The seditious statements he makes are in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that makes all Malaysians equal before the law.
This is the time for firm action, the Prime Minister must show that he is the leader of all Malaysians and expel Ahmad Ismail from UMNO.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also discuss Ahmad Ismail’s statements, one of the most seditious I have ever encountered, and have him charged under the court of law.
I urge the UMNO leadership to be firm, put out this fire before it becomes uncontrollable.
They must decide now whether it is better to sacrifice one man or to risk the entire Barisan Nasional coalition.
This press statement was duly ignored and as a result some opinion makers both here in blogosphere as well as the public have a wrong perception on the stand of Dato' Chua on many issues.
Thus I would like to present a press release by Dato' Chua that reflects his stance on the ISA and its recent application.
PRESS STATEMENT BY DATO’ CHUA JUI MENG ON THE ISA ARRESTS
13TH SEPTEMBER 2008
I am alarmed at the news of the arrest of YB Teresa Kok, Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Certain sections of the Government still fail to grasp the new political scenario that has been unveiling itself since 8th March 2008. With these actions they further alienate the electorate and cause unease amongst the governing coalition.
I am especially dismayed at Tan Hoon Cheng’s arrest since she so recently did the nation a favour by exposing racism. Did not the Deputy Prime Minister, who was at the scene at the time apologise for Ahmad Ismail’s statement? Hasn’t UMNO also expressed its opposition to racism by meting out a 3-year suspension to Ahmad Ismail?
Why then is this poor 23-year old girl being detained under the most draconian of laws in Malaysia where she cannot even claim trial? It is blatant discrimination that the man who made seditious statements still walks free while the person who reported him is disproportionately and inappropriately punished.
Rather than closing an embarrassing chapter we have now exacerbated the situation.
The rationale of arresting a sitting Member of Parliament under the ISA must also be explained swiftly by the Prime Minister if he wishes to retain the confidence of the rakyat and that of a nervous and anxious Parliament.
I also note the flip-flop in regards to the restoration of the Malaysia Today website and the subsequent arrest of its editor Raja Petra Kamarudin. The Government is sending mixed signals to the rakyat displaying confusion within its ranks.
I both applaud and support Datuk Seri Rais Yatim when he says that these people should have been charged in the court of law where they have the ability to defend themselves, rather than detained under the ISA.
I believe it is time for Parliament to review and limit the powers of the ISA to ensure that we do not repeat the errors of our past.
I also wish to voice my concern regarding the show cause letters handed to 3 newspapers recently. It is actions like these that cause our Press freedom rankings to be one of the worst in the world. The Government must realise post-March 8 the rakyat of Malaysia will no longer tolerate the suppression of their right to know.
I am also attaching another ignored press statement - this time on Ahmad Ismail.
Ahmad Ismail must be expelled
The Ahmad Ismail issue must be brought to a close. His attempt to excuse his racially divisive rhetoric is a slap in the face to all Malaysians, regardless of party allegiances, race or religion.
His act of violence is not only an offence against Koh Tsu Koon and Gerakan, but against the entire Barisan Nasional.
His actions are a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government. With his arrogant outbursts he dares to hold the whole country to ransom.
The seditious statements he makes are in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that makes all Malaysians equal before the law.
This is the time for firm action, the Prime Minister must show that he is the leader of all Malaysians and expel Ahmad Ismail from UMNO.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also discuss Ahmad Ismail’s statements, one of the most seditious I have ever encountered, and have him charged under the court of law.
I urge the UMNO leadership to be firm, put out this fire before it becomes uncontrollable.
They must decide now whether it is better to sacrifice one man or to risk the entire Barisan Nasional coalition.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dato' Chua Jui Meng's Speech in Seremban 17th September 2008 (PART 1)
SEREMBAN, 17th September 2008 - Dato' Chua addressed the assembled central delegates of four MCA divisions in Seremban today. His speech touched on major points of impending manifesto (which has been released as of today).
Below is part one of the speech (in Mandarin):-
Below is part one of the speech (in Mandarin):-
Sunday, September 28, 2008
"Buried by the Press"
Back in 2005, the Aliran Blog wrote a post that claims that Dato' Chua has been buried by the press. The article entitled "Chua Jui Meng buried by The Star" was posted up on the 19th of August that year during Dato' Chua's 1st run for the MCA Presidency.
I quote the article in full
Now that nominations to the MCA elections have been made, “officially” kicking off the campaigning, how has the MCA paper, The Star, covered the politicking leading up to the elections starting today? Have things improved since our blog entry of 9 August 2005, when we found the paper failing its readers and basic journalism miserably?
Well, they have not. In fact, its coverage has become even worse in yesterday’s report of Chua Jui Meng, who is taking on Ong Ka Ting for the post of MCA President.
Both the New Straits Times and theSun each gave a report to Chua’s press conference at Corus Hotel. And both led with Chua’s complaints about the current MCA, calling it “undemocratic”, among other things. Both papers also touched on why Chua had to call for the press conference and what he thought of the three-page “report card” issued jointly by Ong and Chan Kong Choy following nominations.
The NST gave more attention to Chua’s reason for calling the press conference. He was reported as saying that he was forced to do so as he had no other avenue to get through to delegates and explain his stand. He said he believed the delegates were told to avoid him.
Chua also said he knew who instructed the delegates to avoid him but he apparently did not say who it was; both the NST and theSun did not mention any names.
Meanwhile, theSun gave more emphasis to Chua’s view of Ong and Chan’s “report card”. Chua reportedly said that he was “flattered” by it because it was actually based on his manifesto, issued early last month, soon after he declared his intention to run for the presidency.
Indeed, soon after Chua came out with his manifesto, Ong was asked whether he would also issue his. Ong reportedly said he did not see the need for it. Chua took a swipe at Ong’s change of mind in coming up with the report card with Chan a few days ago.
Blacked out
So, how did The Star cover the above issues? It deliberately blacked out important relevant facts, thereby skewing its coverage.
Chua’s press conference was mentioned in one of the three election-related reports today; but it was obviously buried. It took up the last four paragraphs of a 11-paragraph piece entitled “Candidates in last dash campaign before polls”.
While there was mention of Chua’s manifesto, it was skewed only to show him saying he was prepared to spend a lot of time working on it to deliver on his promises. The report blacked out Chua’s contention that Ong and Chan’s report card was based on his manifesto.
Furthermore, The Star had a statement on Chua’s claim that delegates were told to avoid him, but not about how Chua said he knew who had been issuing the instruction. Instead, the paper immediately stated that Ong and Chan had told delegates they were free to meet any candidates.
The Star also ran an analysis (as opposed to news report) by Wong Chun Wai (a news editor) entitled “VP race results hard to predict”. Of the 22 paragraphs, only paragraphs 14 and 15 deal with the race for the posts of president and vice president.
Wong was confident that Ong and Chan would win their respective contests. Then, he abruptly stated that Chua (and Ting Chew Peh) had held a press conference—but nothing on any of Chua’s controversial claims reported by the NST and theSun.
Given Wong’s confidence, it would have made some sense - or at least it would have made his writing less glaringly deficient - to state why Chua had the press conference. But then again, that would probably get in the way of his paper’s apparent intention of blacking out certain facts.
Quite clearly, The Star’s coverage reflected its own “cai dan” or preference for Ong to fill the top MCA post. While it is acceptable for any paper to have a preference, they should also strive to be fair to all the candidates. They should restrict their stand only to their editorial column and try their best not to let it skew their news reporting of the different candidates.
And so, by deliberately blacking out certain pertinent facts, The Star continues to fail its readers and basic journalism miserably…
Fast forward to 2008 - just today The Star had an article entitled "Chua Jui Meng unveils his manifesto". The text of the article is a follows:-
I quote the article in full
Now that nominations to the MCA elections have been made, “officially” kicking off the campaigning, how has the MCA paper, The Star, covered the politicking leading up to the elections starting today? Have things improved since our blog entry of 9 August 2005, when we found the paper failing its readers and basic journalism miserably?
Well, they have not. In fact, its coverage has become even worse in yesterday’s report of Chua Jui Meng, who is taking on Ong Ka Ting for the post of MCA President.
Both the New Straits Times and theSun each gave a report to Chua’s press conference at Corus Hotel. And both led with Chua’s complaints about the current MCA, calling it “undemocratic”, among other things. Both papers also touched on why Chua had to call for the press conference and what he thought of the three-page “report card” issued jointly by Ong and Chan Kong Choy following nominations.
The NST gave more attention to Chua’s reason for calling the press conference. He was reported as saying that he was forced to do so as he had no other avenue to get through to delegates and explain his stand. He said he believed the delegates were told to avoid him.
Chua also said he knew who instructed the delegates to avoid him but he apparently did not say who it was; both the NST and theSun did not mention any names.
Meanwhile, theSun gave more emphasis to Chua’s view of Ong and Chan’s “report card”. Chua reportedly said that he was “flattered” by it because it was actually based on his manifesto, issued early last month, soon after he declared his intention to run for the presidency.
Indeed, soon after Chua came out with his manifesto, Ong was asked whether he would also issue his. Ong reportedly said he did not see the need for it. Chua took a swipe at Ong’s change of mind in coming up with the report card with Chan a few days ago.
Blacked out
So, how did The Star cover the above issues? It deliberately blacked out important relevant facts, thereby skewing its coverage.
Chua’s press conference was mentioned in one of the three election-related reports today; but it was obviously buried. It took up the last four paragraphs of a 11-paragraph piece entitled “Candidates in last dash campaign before polls”.
While there was mention of Chua’s manifesto, it was skewed only to show him saying he was prepared to spend a lot of time working on it to deliver on his promises. The report blacked out Chua’s contention that Ong and Chan’s report card was based on his manifesto.
Furthermore, The Star had a statement on Chua’s claim that delegates were told to avoid him, but not about how Chua said he knew who had been issuing the instruction. Instead, the paper immediately stated that Ong and Chan had told delegates they were free to meet any candidates.
The Star also ran an analysis (as opposed to news report) by Wong Chun Wai (a news editor) entitled “VP race results hard to predict”. Of the 22 paragraphs, only paragraphs 14 and 15 deal with the race for the posts of president and vice president.
Wong was confident that Ong and Chan would win their respective contests. Then, he abruptly stated that Chua (and Ting Chew Peh) had held a press conference—but nothing on any of Chua’s controversial claims reported by the NST and theSun.
Given Wong’s confidence, it would have made some sense - or at least it would have made his writing less glaringly deficient - to state why Chua had the press conference. But then again, that would probably get in the way of his paper’s apparent intention of blacking out certain facts.
Quite clearly, The Star’s coverage reflected its own “cai dan” or preference for Ong to fill the top MCA post. While it is acceptable for any paper to have a preference, they should also strive to be fair to all the candidates. They should restrict their stand only to their editorial column and try their best not to let it skew their news reporting of the different candidates.
And so, by deliberately blacking out certain pertinent facts, The Star continues to fail its readers and basic journalism miserably…
Fast forward to 2008 - just today The Star had an article entitled "Chua Jui Meng unveils his manifesto". The text of the article is a follows:-
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA presidential candidate Datuk Chua Jui Meng has pledged to rebuild the party, restore the party to relevance and realise Vision 2020.
In unveiling his manifesto on Sunday, he said it would not be right for the party to leave Barisan Nasional at such a critical moment despite calls by MCA delegates to do so.
He said that as one of the founding partners of the ruling coalition, together with Umno, and both parties should sit down and discuss issues if one was unhappy with the other.
“The fact that we place the burden of our losses on Umno is a clear indication of the root cause of MCA’s illness -- we have lost our direction and conceded our influence and rights as a Barisan partner to be involved in the decision- and policy-making processes of Government.
“I stand as the presidential candidate that seeks to remind the MCA what its original purpose was, I aim to set the direction for the party,” said Chua, who will be contesting against MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat for the president's post in the party polls next month.
Party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting has said he would not contest the post.
This article shows that The Star is once again up to its old tricks! What is amazing about this article is the total lack of facts of the actual speech from the manifesto launch and the contents of the manifesto. The reported focused all her attention on a supplementary question - not on the actual manifesto itself!
It mentions not Dato' Chua's ideas to reform the party, his plans to let the MCA regain the trust of the people and his vision for Malaysia and all Malaysians. Truly, by once again blocking out the important and pertinent facts, The Star continues to fail its readers and basic journalism miserably…
It mentions not Dato' Chua's ideas to reform the party, his plans to let the MCA regain the trust of the people and his vision for Malaysia and all Malaysians. Truly, by once again blocking out the important and pertinent facts, The Star continues to fail its readers and basic journalism miserably…
MCAkini!?
MCAkini is a deliberate play on the popular alternative news website - Malaysiakini, not so much as to deride it - but in its honour.
Malaysiakini has been an exemplary example of how the press in Malaysia should be, carrying in it news from both the government as well as the opposition parties. Although, and I think many would agree, that the site has some opposition leanings - nevertheless it is a class above many papers in our country today.
Thus, MCAkini is named in its honour - a hope that views of people within that has been denied access to the media can be heard and seen without distortion. There exists a media bias in this nation that changes and distorts the truth - either by twisting the facts or just simply by exclusion.
However, even though MCAkini is named after Malaysiakini - its goal is not even attempt to play the role Malaysiakini or Malaysia today. Its goal is to affect a change in the culture of the MCA to be transparent, relevant to the people and make it into truly a party that reflects the hopes and dreams of the Malaysian people.
It is a blog of a supporter of Dato' Chua Jui Meng's run for the highest post of the party - and hopefully save it from oblivion.
Malaysiakini has been an exemplary example of how the press in Malaysia should be, carrying in it news from both the government as well as the opposition parties. Although, and I think many would agree, that the site has some opposition leanings - nevertheless it is a class above many papers in our country today.
Thus, MCAkini is named in its honour - a hope that views of people within that has been denied access to the media can be heard and seen without distortion. There exists a media bias in this nation that changes and distorts the truth - either by twisting the facts or just simply by exclusion.
However, even though MCAkini is named after Malaysiakini - its goal is not even attempt to play the role Malaysiakini or Malaysia today. Its goal is to affect a change in the culture of the MCA to be transparent, relevant to the people and make it into truly a party that reflects the hopes and dreams of the Malaysian people.
It is a blog of a supporter of Dato' Chua Jui Meng's run for the highest post of the party - and hopefully save it from oblivion.
Dato' Chua announces his candidacy for the post of MCA President
Coverage in English by The Star Online and in Mandarin by Malaysiakini.
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