Formation of yet another 'Chinese Assembly Hall' further splits community

PETALING JAYA: The recent formation of the Federal Territory Chinese Assembly Hall (FTCAH) has raised the ire of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), which is worried that the birth of yet another rival association would further split the community.
As it is, KLSCAH already has a "twin" in the form of Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLCAH), which was formed 13 years ago by a breakaway faction of KLSCAH's predecessor, Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH).
The setting up of FTCAH means Chinese associations in the Klang Valley will be split into three groups instead of coming under one umbrella.
KLSCAH president Datuk Ong Seng Khek said that since there are no Chinese associations in the three federal territories except Kuala Lumpur, FTCAH's intention to split the Chinese community in the capital city is obvious, Nanyang Siang Pau reported today.
"Chinese associations are more than welcome to join KLSCAH. Why should they want to set up FTCAH?" he said.
He said KLSCAH may consider taking legal action against the Registrar of Societies (ROS) for approving the formation of FTCAH.
He urged Chinese groups and the some 400 member associations of KLSCAH to attend its "Say no to FTCAH" briefing on Saturday to register their objections.
He said the Chinese community should come out with a clear stand and condemn the attempt to divide the community by taking advantage of one's right to freedom of association.
He said FTCAH is not unlike the KLCAH, which only serves to duplicate the roles and functions of KLSCAH.
The setting up of FTCAH in 2003 raised a storm of protests with some suggesting that it was politically motivated to undermine the influence of the then outspoken and critical SCAH.
Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysia Chinese Guilds Association deputy president Lum Kim Soong, one of the figures behind the new kid on the block, urged the Chinese community to view FTCAH with an open heart.
He said there is no political agenda behind the setting up of FTCAH and urged detractors not to make baseless accusations.