In demonising PAS, MCA shows it is out of ideas — The Malaysian Insider October 10, 2010

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek warned the Chinese community today that PAS is likely to go back to its autocratic Islamic stand if Pakatan Rakyat (PR) comes to power.
Heard that before?
Yes it is the spinning of an old MCA record.
The message is that while Umno and MCA are not perfect PAS is worse.
But MCA is now completely missing the plot if they believe the Chinese are spooked by PAS.
In 1999, there was genuine concern of a green tide, the result of a campaign to demonise PAS and paint them as conservative mullahs.
But 11 years ago, Malaysia was a very different country.
Most people in the Chinese community view the arrogance, racism and complete disregard of the rule of law by Umno as much worse sins than anything that PAS can do.
Umno is seen by the Chinese community as the embodiment of everything that is wrong with the country.
The genuine need for reform is being ignored while foreign investors take a pass on Malaysia.
Even Malaysian companies are hedging their bets by moving the focus of their attention overseas.
And it is not just opportunism which sees Malaysians buying up property in London, Sydney and other cities.
With Umno embracing Perkasa, is there a chance that MCA's scare mongering is going to work?
MCA is now being ignored by Umno.
And Dr Chua has little to offer the Chinese community except to appeal to its fears.
But anyone living in Kelantan will tell you that the PAS administration are more tolerant and respectful of the rights of others than in Umno-controlled states.
The fact is that a straw poll of the urban Chinese will confirm one crucial fact: they are more worried about Umno than PAS.