KOTA KINABALU: Political veteran Datuk Chau Tet On said non-profit organisations and associations should not be involved in politics, as it would cause internal chaos among members with different political ideologies.
They have their own objectives and duties, he said.
Chau, who is also the Chinese Culture Association Sabah president, deemed the introduction of direct associate and affiliate membership by Barisan Nasional (BN) inappropriate, as NGOs have their own objectives and duties.
This includes taking care of the welfare of the people, such as medical, education and environment aspects.
The BN Supreme Council has agreed to amend its constitution to introduce direct associate and affiliate membership effective immediately.
Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced this on Sunday, saying that the decision was reflective of the BN’s efforts to make the coalition inclusive and open to all who shared the concept, principles and policy of the ruling party’s struggle.
“Whoever is interested in governing the country should join political parties or form a new party, seek support from the people and exercise their vision.
“Political system is based on party politics in which a political party wins support of the people, forms government and rules the country. That’s our system,” he stressed.
Chau further said the move would cause chaos within Chinese associations, when members have their own political ideas.
“For example, if the president of Hawkers’ Association was selected as a candidate, how will the committee members react?
“Getting support from association leaders does not necessarily mean that you get support from the members,” he pointed out.
He suggested that BN work with NGOs to build a relationship if they wanted to gain support from more neutral individuals, instead of offering direct membership.
He added that the Chinese communities already have too many political parties, and allowing NGO leaders to join BN membership would cause trouble among the Chinese and Chinese-based political parties.
Chau also said bystanders might take advantage of the direct membership for their own benefits.