While Mahathir, Shafie, Hisham, Khairy or Nazri each has a specific role to play in this whole thing, it's Ahmad Zahid's own ability, or inability, that puts the final nail in his coffin.
The jurisdiction of the Johor royalty goes way beyond what constitutional experts can expound, and will perhaps develop into a constitutional issue or a political battleground?
The government must take a big stride forward, reform the existing system and deepen democratic practices, and not to be held back by antiquated preoccupations.
It won't be a bad thing if in future such a civilized street rally culture could be perpetuated, so that radical groups in the likes of Perkasa and the Red Shirts will not get to make any headway.
Participating in the rally may not be just for ICERD but could also be a convenient outlet for these people's frustration and disenchantment with realistic life.
Save for a major shift in the country's political ecosystem, Umno will still need MCA. While this combination may not assure an electoral victory, it is at least the only viable option we can visualize today.