MCA third force wants delegates to vote for party

(The Sun Daily) – The MCA third force that aims to topple party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and suspended deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, has finally emerged on the eve of the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to urge to central delegates to reject strongman leadership and vote for the party instead of individuals.

Third force spokesman Datuk Tan Kah Choun, who is a central delegate, said he had directly and indirectly consulted most of the retired party leaders like Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Tan Sri Lee San Choon, Tan Koon Swan, Wong Choon Wing, Datuk Kee Yong Wee, Tan Sri William Chek Lim Kwi, Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, Datuk Ng Cheng Kuai, Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, Tan Sri Wong See Wah and Tan Sri Lau Yan Pin.

“Four of the above listed retired leaders have encouraged me to deliver the statement to put an end to MCA strongman leadership and to enter into group leadership management,” he told a press conference today.

Tan said Tee Keat had ignored the decision made by the delegates by suspending Chua (as deputy president), while, Chua should step down from the MCA leadership to avoid unpleasant comments of the public because of his involvement in a sex scandal.

“We wish to urge all central delegates to support the third power to achieve the strong and perfect organisation of MCA,” he added.

When pressed on who is behind the third force, Tan said he was not at liberty to divulge the information but added that “we are confident of getting the support because the delegates are intelligent and we urge them to vote for the party to save the party and forget about pro Tee Keat or Chua”.

He said once Tee Keat and Chua are ousted, the third force will allow the central committee to choose a new leadership from the incumbents to lead the party.

The 2,380 central delegates will vote on five resolutions to end the internal conflict between Tee Keat and Chua tomorrow.