Conflicting calls made on how MCA’s quandary should end

(The Star) – The MCA has been plunged into deeper crisis with no clear-cut leadership in place following the dramatic decisions taken by the delegates at Saturday’s extraordinary general meeting.

The conflicting calls on how the impasse should end have thrown the party into disarray.

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is away overseas following the outcome of the EGM which voted for a resolution of no confidence in the MCA president.

On Saturday, the delegates also refused to support a resolution to reinstate Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as deputy president.

Ong’s supporters had urged him to not make any decision until the central committee (CC) meets on Thursday.

“There is plenty of horse trading and manoeuvring now,” a veteran leader said. “His leadership is needed more than ever to keep MCA intact.”

Party sources said there were concerns that, with the perceived leadership vacuum, many would consider the opportune scenario to move up the political ladder.

They said speculations intensified even more after reports in Chinese newspapers named vice-presidents Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as possible successors.

In the Oct 18 party polls last year, the four elected vice-presidents were Kong (1,798 votes), Liow (1,725 votes), Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (1,659) and Tan Kok Hong (1,329). To add to the confusion, Dr Chua and former vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn and Datuk Donald Lim were calling for fresh elections to be held.

Dr Chua asked the elected and appointed CC members to step down while Dr Fong, who joined in the chorus, said fresh polls were crucial.

However, when asked if they would contest, they remained coy.

Some CC members, however, were against fresh elections, saying it would only make things worse.

Meanwhile, Kong was reported to have said that he was ready to fulfil his responsibility should he be asked to lead the party.

“The responsibility of MCA leaders is to serve the party, which includes the possibility of being appointed to any position in the party,” he had said.

“However, it will depend on the MCA central committee as to whether they want me to lead the party.”

Yesterday, Liow, when asked if he was ready, said: “Let us not speculate or comment on who is the new president. The central committee will make a clear decision on this later.”

He said everyone could play a role to lead the party, adding “we shouldn’t discuss this at all now.”