What’s in store at the 11th hour?
Out of sympathy to the fallen Chua, they may hand Ong only enough votes to win rather than the thumping two-thirds majority that the latter has requested.
Malaysian Mirror
With 10 days left to go to the MCA’s triple-ten EGM, the countdown has begun and all eyes are on what possible new and eleventh-hour ‘steps’ the two protagonists – party president Ong Tee Keat and his suspended deputy Chua Soi Lek – will unleash in their bid to oust each other.
“Because this leadership tussle has already been such a roller coaster, very frankly, most of the MCA members are feeling very tired,” a party insider told Malaysian Mirror on the condition of anonymity.
“At the moment, they are saying nothing can shock them anymore. But that actually remains to be seen and it also depends on Ong and Chua. I think you can bet that they will try their best to score a last-minute goal to win.”
Looking ahead
A recent barrage of body blows including a surprise four-year suspension has already got Chua on the ropes and given Ong the upperhand.
Central delegates are widely expected to repel the no-confidence motion against Ong and give him the mandate he needs to revitalize the party.
But out of sympathy to the fallen Chua, they may hand Ong only enough votes to win rather than the thumping two-thirds majority that the latter has requested.
“Ong has said he will quit if the voting pattern showed that two-thirds did not support him. He has high moral convictions but these are such uncertain times. The party leaders will surely appeal to him to reconsider if it happens,” the insider said.
“After all, Chua’s career is already finished. Ong has to look ahead not just for himself but for the party.”
Point of no return
Chua, a former Health Minister, fell from grace after a DVD filmed him having sex with a woman friend was distributed nationwide and overseas.
The scandal forced him to resign both his Cabinet and party posts but in the Oct 2008 MCA election, he made a grand comeback, winning the No. 2 post.
Sadly, both he and Ong were unable to work together – leading to the current crisis.
By now, MCA members know a reconciliation is impossible and they will have to choose. Even Ong has said so: It’s either me or him!
Perhaps knowing that the wind is against him, Chua may adopt a ‘burn-the-village’ tactic.
“He could opt to take Ong down with him,” another party insider told Malaysian Mirror.
“Some think that at the eleventh hour, Chua may announce that he is not interested in the presidency at all. The aim would be to gain the sympathy of the delegates and prick them into ousting Ong as well.”
“If he has to go, his enemy goes as well. Let the party start afresh. This way, his supporters have a chance to come up rather than face being punished by Ong’s camp.”
Third force
Although the odds are undeniably with Ong, in the past week, speculation has also swirled of “unseen hands” and a “third force” seeking to oust both him and Chua.
And the purpose – to pave the way for a new leadership take power at the oldest Chinese political party in the country.
“It is not impossible that the delegates will be persuaded to vote against both men. That means they endorse the no-confidence motion against Ong and at the same keep Chua suspended for four years,” a grassroots leader said.
“This means Chua won’t be able to succeed Ong and the only way out will be a fresh presidential election!”
A check with other MCA experts confirmed that such a conspiracy existed. But they did not expect this “third force” to succeed.
Five resolutions are due to be tabled at the EGM due to take place at 10am on the 10th day of the 10th month.
These 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.
“The danger is real and it exists. But a fresh presidential election may not appeal to the delegates. They may listen but it is unlikely they will vote out both Ong and Chua,” said a party analyst.
“A new election means they have to travel from their hometowns all over again and many of them have commitments of their own. Already, many are saying it is too ‘mah fan’ or inconvenient.”
