The dust of the election war lasting several months has finally settled.

The central delegates' choices have been indeed an eye-opener. After the defeat in March general elections, they badly need to have their morale boosted, and the party be transformed into one that fits the society better.

They have elected Ong Tee Keat, who is bold to voice up his displeasure, as well as Chua Soi Lek, who is bold to admit what he has done, to lead MCA through the tortuous path ahead.

The Ong-Chua duo were harshly critical of each other prior to the party elections. As politicians, they are experts in concealing their unhappiness with each other, at least on the outside, but given both their very strong willed styles, it remains much of a concern to the Chinese community whether they will eventually work peacefully with each other in the future.

On the day after, Tee Keat and Soi Lek made a parable with Ongchoy (kangkung or water spinach in Chinese).

Little wonder almost immediately after the election results were released, there were people saying that the party struggle over the next three years had just begun from that moment on.

If this is the case, MCA may not be able to last too long, and the so-called "transformation" and "reformation" will at best be just an unfulfliled dream.

Kangkung is indeed a very palatable vegetable, which grows healthily without the need of any chemical fertilisers, and makes a delicious yet economical choice if stir-fried with garlic.

Well, one or two occasional servings should be just fine, but if served in every meal, this wonderful dish may just be rendered a tasteless offering besides making our body debilitated with boredom.

From a positive perspective, to put in some variations, it is essential to season it with a little cili belacan every now and then when frying kangkung.

Perhaps Tee Keat and Soi Lek may need an adaption period, but that doesn't mean they have to tolerate or accommodate each other. It doesn't mean the big boss can continue to act like a lone ranger, or the second-in-command must always be obedient and submissive.

During this crucial moment when MCA needs to deliver itself from the current dilemma as it seeks a stronger lifeline, the duo must cooperate, compete and encourage each other with true sincerity in order to chart a new path of transformation and reformation for the party. If they continue to pull each other's leg, both will most likely end up on the no-through road of muddy quagmire.

Inside the party, the leaders must not only be outspoken but open-minded as well. It won't be a bad idea to come up with a plate of kangkung belacan once a while instead of individually rushing one plate of tasteless plain kangkung down the throat, which won't do MCA or themselves any good.

Outside the party, the leaders must not only be outspoken, but must also be bold enough to admit what they have done, more so to fight for equitable status with UMNO.

In his farewell address, outgoing president Ong Ka Ting squarely accused UMNO of bullying other BN componet parties, thrusting a plate of extra spicy curry to the front of UMNO president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and wanting this BN big brother of more than half a century to savour the utter spiciness that would force its nose to run wet.

It has been customary for UMNO to act as the big brother. But will the Ong-Chua pair be able to lead MCA to a showdown with UMNO, which has been practising hegemonism for so long, and truly "share the power" with it? MCA Youth's proposal to add a BN deputy post will be an instant touchstone that will put the Ong-Chua leadership capability to real test.

UMNO will have a new leadership line-up come next March. In the face of the new UMNO force, will Ong-Chua live up to the expectations of party members to speak out and act boldly remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, if the duo are really that resolved, perhaps they should serve a plate of extra spicy kangkung belacan for UMNO's new leadership to sample, telling them MCA is no longer the party it used to be in yesteryear. (By TAN POH KHENG/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)