Tee Keat says will quit if Chua reinstated

(Malaysian Mirror) – Embattled MCA president Ong Tee Keat has threatened to step down if his sacked deputy Chua Soi Lek is reinstated at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting.

The straight-talking no-nonsense chief confirmed red-hot speculation by the grassroots that the Oct 10 EGM will be an all-out, winner-takes-all battle.    

“They will have to make a choice. Once a simple majority is obtained, I will be left with no choice but to step down,” Tee Keat was quoted as saying in the Star on Saturday.

“Anyone who argues that I do not need to do so, or that only a two-thirds majority is needed to boot me out is a great lie.’’

But despite the non-reconciliatory stance taken by both Tee Keat and Chua, political watchers say it is still early and new developments could take place within the next three weeks that could persuade either or both men to soften their aggression towards each other.

“For example, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak may try to defuse the situation by getting the two to negotiate further even though publicly he has said he will interfere. But privately, I am sure as head of Barisan Nasional, he must be worried,” said a veteran party observer.

Ulterior motives 

Tee Keat also lambasted Chua for not appealing his sacking, saying that the lack of respect for the Sept 16 deadline only showed Chua’s camp – which is believed to include past MCA presidents Ling Liong Sik and Ong Ka Ting – had ulterior motives.

Both Ling and Ka Ting – both Ministers during their time in power – have been implicated in the RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone financial debacle along with several top Umno leaders.

Speculation has swirled that this powerful group is trying to stop Tee Keat – the current Transport Minister – from further exposing the scandal.

“Once you do not appeal to the central committee for any disciplinary matter, the case is considered closed,” said Tee Keat. “By now, it is clear that the game plan is not to reinstate him but to remove me.”

Entire presidential team may quit

Tee Keat faces five resolutions submitted by supporters of Chua, who requisitioned the meeting after a Tee Keat-backed disciplinary board sacked him for his involvement in a 2007 sex scandal that tarnished the party’s image.

The resolutions to be tabled are (1) a motion of no-confidence against Tee Keat (2) to annul the decision by the presidential council to expel Chua (3) to reinstate Chua as MCA deputy president (4) to  revoke any appointments including the deputy president made before the EGM and (5) that no disciplinary action be taken against the EGM requisitionists.

Tee Keat warned that if the presidential council’s decision to reinstate Chua is annulled to pave way for his reinstatement is passed, all 22 members in the top decision-making body  including Housing and Local Government Minister Kong Cho Ha, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai and Deputy Education Wee Ka Siong would have to quit as well.

“If this happens, the entire presidential council, which I head, will have to go because this was a collective decision and not one man’s decision,” said Tee Keat.

“I am not forcing anyone to do so but going by the ground rules of the game, in the name of democracy, this is an unavoidable outcome.”