A keen observer of Chinese Malaysian politics Phoon Weng Keong continues his analysis on the rise and fall of MCA's presidents since the 1980s, and compares and contrasts the party's turbulent history with the seeming stability of Gerakan and MIC. Phoon, however, opines that MCA, despite its many problems, is still relatively more democratic than Umno.

Malaysiakini: In a recent public seminar held by Oriental Daily , Yap Pian Hon publicly insinuated that money politics is still widespread in MCA? Is it true? How serious is money politics in MCA?

Phoon: Certainly, money politics exists in MCA but it is not as serious or widespread as in Umno. In this year's party elections, MCA's central committee issued a guideline banning candidates from hosting meals for party members and presenting gifts. This shows that money politics has reached a stage where such guidelines are needed. However, if party discipline is still lax, the guidelines are not sufficient to stem the tide of money politics. At the divisional elections this year, money politics is believed to be serious because of keen competition.