Ong stands ready to be counted
Written by Sharon Tan, The Edge
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is ready to be judged by party delegates by accepting the five resolutions proposed by the opposing faction while forgoing his only resolution.
Party secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng yesterday chaired a meeting that lasted nearly five hours. Ong was represented by Datuk Chai Kim Sen and Gan Ping Sieu while the faction aligned to sacked deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was represented by Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho, Loh Seng Kok and Datuk Chong Itt Chew.
Wong said the meeting was amicable. “Both sides have had a very fruitful discussion towards the end of holding one joint EGM. To achieve that end, the party president agreed to adopt in toto the motions proposed by the requisitionists,” he added.
Ong had tendered a resolution to pass a motion of confidence on his leadership and to endorse the disciplinary action against Chua which was made in accordance with party’s constitution.
The opposing faction’s resolutions were:
1. No confidence on the leadership of Ong;
2. The decision of the presidential council on Aug 26 which accepted the recommendation of the disciplinary board and the subsequent decision of the central committee to expel or suspend Chua be annulled;
3. Following resolution No 2, Chua be rightfully restored to the position of deputy president;
4. Revoke any appointments to posts by the central committee including that of deputy president;
5. Dismiss any disciplinary action against any requisitionists.
Gan, who represented Ong, said it was Ong and the presidential council’s desire to have only one EGM in the best interest of the party.
“The president and the present leadership is prepared to face the delegates to make the decision over the party’s affairs.
“To achieve the end of one EGM, the president has instructed us not to cause any inconvenience to the central delegates,” he said, adding that to hold two EGMs and an AGM within one month was not in the party’s interest.
Gan said they faced problems on how to include Ong’s motion. “But in the interest of the party and not to disturb the resolutions as proposed by the requisitionists, the party president is prepared to adopt in toto the five resolutions as proposed by them”
Meanwhile, Ong in his blog (www.ongteekeat.net), said he “instructed his representatives to accept the other side’s five resolutions” after discussions on the merged EGM hit an impasse.
“I was advised that this involved significant technical and legal issues. However, in view of the wishes of the members, I do not want to dwell too much into the legal and technical aspects, as it is imperative that only one EGM be held as soon as possible so that the party can move forward.”
Ong said he believed “at the end of the day, the MCA delegates’ maturity and wisdom will prevail, and that they will put MCA’s interest above all else”.
Wong also said that both sides agreed to exclude debates and speeches during the EGM while voting will be conducted via secret balloting.
“The resolutions are very clear and the purpose of requesting the EGM is also very clear. I think the delegates should be able to understand the resolutions and make the right decisions,” said Wong.
Notices will be sent out to the 2,400 central delegates tomorrow informing them of the date and venue of the EGM. The requisition for the EGM was made on Sept 11, hence the party has 30 days from the day of the receipt of the requisition to call for an EGM.
Asked on the status of Chua and whether he could attend the EGM, Wong said: “As long as there is no decision made by the central committee or by any EGM or AGM per se then Chua’s status is he’s still not a member of the party. Only delegates are allowed to attend.”
On whether it was a win-win decision for both factions, Tan said: “Of course. We have tried very hard. We even discussed with the sec-gen to have one EGM. Today, both parties agreed.”
