In Search Of The Ultimate Warrior

The signature campaign to seek the Agong's pardon for Datuk Yong Teck Lee is gaining momentum. Letters have been distributed through out the state to offices of government and private sectors. Reports showing that the support is overwhelming. Local leaders have also come out in support of the move.

If SAPP makes full use of the support for the signature campaign, it will have all the advantages. First, there is at least hope for Yong to contest in the coming election. It is definitely a big boost for the party. Members in the party have been demoralised since Yong was disqualified both as member of parliament and state assemblyman. Yong, however, did not give up but paid full concentration in strengthening the party.

Secondly, the support for Yong will be seen as a stronger bargaining power for SAPP to lobby for more Chinese seats in the coming state election. The Chinese community is splitted due to the open 'fight' between SAPP and LDP. Poison pen letters and various accusations have been made by both parties.

The Chinese has been searching for the ultimate Chinese leader for Sabah. Yong is seen as a better choice. This is partly due to the more aggresive approach of Yong and also the recent scandals which link and undermine Chong Kah Kiat, who was supposed to be the alternative Chinese leader.

While Yong and his party is gaining more support, it is too bad that LDP is still counting on history and idealism. Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, the President of LDP, is still proud that LDP is the oldest Barisan Nasional component party. He is proud that LDP is the only party who has the members attending the party's annual congress in full uniform. He still talk about LDP been branded as 'mosquito party' whereas others have long forgotten.

Chong's history and idealism could bring LDP no where. Members of the public are starting to question his ability, his vision and his sincerity in helping the rakyat. He has been counting on the number of Datuks the party could recruit but his most recently recruited Datuk, Liew Yun Fah, seems to bring him more shame than fame. Angry parties who were betrayed, manipulated and cheated by Liew are now starting to expose the true character of Liew. His gangster style of public appearance has resulted in more local leaders distancing themselves from Liew.

There is already talks that if LDP fails to secure more seats other than the existing two( Kudat - Datuk Chong Kah Kiat and Karamunting - Datuk Wong Lien Tat), the party will eventually dissolve and merge into MCA or Gerakan. That also explains why Chong is not really keen to improve the party. He is more interested in safeguarding himself and his relatives.