Ong: The truth will be revealed
(The Star) – Although sacked MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek has denied forming a new party called Parti Cintai Malaysia, the truth behind it will be revealed in due time.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said many people did not believe him when he mentioned the formation of the party last month.
“However, it is now proven that it does exist. You don’t have to listen to me or Dr Chua, but the truth will prevail one day,” he told a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the National Entrepreneurs Convention here yesterday.
Ong dismissed talk that he had told party central delegates about Dr Chua’s plan to set up a new party.
“I choose not to wash dirty linen in public but little did I expect people to spin a story like this,” he said, adding that he saw no reason to reveal what he had briefed his members at closed-door meetings.
“What was asked at these meetings has been answered,” he said.
Dr Chua has denied that he formed the party and threatened to sue Ong if he continued to make such allegations against him.
On Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s statement that he would not intervene in the MCA issue, Ong said he appreciated Najib’s sensitivity to the party and wishes that internal matters should be resolved within the party.
He also welcomed Najib’s advice to Barisan Nasional component party leaders to work towards becoming popular with the people and not just within the party.
“This is a relevant reminder and we need to take heed of it. We need to be accepted by the people, not just the party, because they are the ones who will decide on the nation’s future,” he said.
On former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s comment that MCA and MIC should handle their internal problems wisely, Ong said: “We welcome his views. Which party doesn’t face problems? We can’t just pretend (that nothing is happening) and not do anything to resolve it.”
On the suggestion by some political analysts that he should resign, Ong said he respected their views.
“However, we do not know if these people have any ulterior motive or the basis for such a suggestion,” he said.
