MCA decision on Soi Lek a blow to his supporters

(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: In a surprise move, the MCA yesterday suspended Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's membership with immediate effect for four years, overturning a decision by the presidential council on Aug 26 to sack him.

Dr Chua, who is deputy president, is also suspended from his party post.

The decision is set to deal a blow to Dr Chua's supporters who are out to oust MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled for Oct 10.

It will also appease many delegates upset over the sacking. Dr Chua had been reported as saying that he wanted to "die an MCA member".

As Dr Chua's suspension ends in 2013, it would mean his political career is as good as over. He will not be able to contest the 2011 MCA elections and the general election, which has to be held by 2013.

The MCA central committee decided to overturn the presidential council's decision after a seven-hour meeting yesterday.

"The central committee, after due deliberation, has resolved to reduce the sentence meted out by the disciplinary board and endorsed by the presidential council.

"Hence, the decision to suspend his membership and party post," said Ong.

He said the central committee, being the body conferred with the powers of a general assembly, was a platform for members to express their independent views of the central delegates, party members and the Chinese community at large.

In dealing with any disciplinary action, whether or not there was an appeal, the central committee had the power to review the presidential council's decision and make a final decision on matters pursuant to the party constitution, he said.

"Furthermore, there are precedents where the decisions of the presidential council have been reviewed.

"Besides Dr Chua's case, we also dealt with other disciplinary cases at the meeting."

Ong cited a case involving MCA Ipoh Timur division chief Datuk Thong Fah Chong who had been suspended for six months. He said Thong's suspension was lifted.

Earlier, Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho, chairman of the Central Delegates' EGM Action Committee, walked out of the CC meeting as he felt Dr Chua's case should not have been discussed. He left three hours before the meeting ended.

"I feel this is not the right time. Let the national delegates decide at the EGM. I have told them (the other CC members) this.

"I have to leave because I don't want to join them in the discussion on Dr Chua's case," Tan, a CC member, said while waiting for the elevator on the 6th floor at Wisma MCA.

He said he had the freedom to leave and nobody could stop him from doing so.

Deputy secretary-general Datuk Loke Yuen Yow said Dr Chua's case was discussed as it was part of "the normal process" and was provided for by the party constitution.

He stressed that the CC meeting was not convened for the purpose of calling off the EGM.

"The EGM will still go ahead on Oct 10." He said Dr Chua's case had to be brought up for deliberation even though he (Dr Chua) had not appealed within the stipulated time frame.