Registrar’s decision based on law, says PM

(NST) – “This is how the ROS has interpreted the constitution of the party.

“The constitution is based on certain provisions which requires a two-thirds majority to remove anyone in MCA, whether appointed or elected.

“That is why the ROS said Dr Chua Soi Lek is still the deputy president.

“The same provision was also applied for Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat as president of MCA. The principle has to be uniform and cannot be in conflict,” Najib said at a press conference at Parliament yesterday when asked to comment on the ruling that Dr Chua was legally the MCA deputy president.

The prime minister, however, stressed the latest development in the MCA was only part of the solution.

“It has to be legally correct. The second part of the solution has to be politically correct.

“The incumbent leader has to go down and engage the community.

“I have always emphasised that the solution has to be legally and politically correct.” he said.

Najib explained that while MCA may have overcome its problem, it was now up to the leaders to go down to the ground and convince the Chinese community which they represent.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin advised leaders to set a cooling-off period to settle the acrimonious in-fighting within the party.

“It will take some time before the dissatisfaction settles down. But I believe the leaders will find a solution.

“Dr Chua met me this morning and I told him MCA leaders should look for a lasting solution,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, meanwhile, defended the ROS’ decision, saying that the ROS was prepared to defend its decision in court if the need arises.

He reiterated the Prime Minister’s statement that the ROS decision was based on three main factors — the country’s laws, the Societies Act 1996 and the MCA constitution.

“Should the matter be taken to court, we, at the ministry, and ROS will explain and defend the decision,” he said at Parliament.