Q: Can I know why you want to contest for the presidency?

A: Good question! First, I don't do it for power. Second, I don't do it for money. Third, I don't do it for status. Fourth, I don't do it for reputation...

Q: Understood. But I was asking why you want to contest, not for what you don't contest.

A: Oh, yes. Then I should say I do it to honour my own promises and to complete my reform agenda, even to sacrifice myself for the party. I want to save MCA from its current crisis and the Chinese community from its dilemma.

Q: What a great and respectable notion, but, can you please be a little more specific? For instance, what kind of promises you want to honour and what kind of reforms you want to implement?

A: I promise not to let off those who have betrayed me, and not to allow anyone to challenge my authority. I won't allow anyone to question my decision or the people I have entrusted and chosen.

I am insistent with my reform agenda. First, continue to improve MCA's fengshui. Second, continue to weed out the dissidents.

These mustn't be carried in your report. Is that clear?

Q: Most definitely! Let's switch a topic. Can you elaborate on how you'll save MCA and the Chinese community?

A: I don't have to brief the whole world what I'm going to do. Moreover, to save MCA and the Chinese community is no easy task. Don't look to me like the Buddha or God!

As a matter of fact, this is immaterial. The major thing is that you all must trust me instead of challenging, questioning, or besieging me.

Q: Your contest will invariably raise the issue of integrity. How would you see it?

A: My personal reputation is not any more important than the expectations of the society. Saying I have no integrity? These people are too narrow-minded and we should just ignore them!

Once I've set my eyes on the presidency, I would not let go. And after I've been securely seated on the throne, everything will be within my control.

Q: I thought that was not the original intention of the poet...

A: What? You're questioning my wisdom? You don't seem to be a well-read person.

He was a genius. So am I. The only difference is that he failed in his pursuit of high office while I'm a successful man!

Q: Indeed, I'm not very well read. Little wonder I couldn't get many things you've said. May I then ask how you would unite MCA if you were re-elected as party president?

A: Huh... another good question! Of course, a smile will kill all the animosity. Stupid! but then, hahaha...

Q: Funny! What you said seemed to be very profound. And your laughter, too. was unfathomable!

A: What is true can't be untrue, and what is untrue can't be true! You'll learn about this in time to come. Hahaha... (By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)