Dr Chua to step down by year-end

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: I still have loose ends to tie up, says MCA president

(NST) – KUALA LUMPUR: DATUK Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has brushed aside calls for him to relinquish his position as MCA president immediately following the party’s dismal performance in the recent polls, saying he will only do so sometime between next month and December.

Addressing a packed press conference at MCA’s headquarters here yesterday, the beleaguered party supremo made it clear that he would only vacate his seat once “all internal party matters were addressed”.

Dr Chua, speaking on behalf of the MCA presidential council, said the party leadership would first focus on expediting party elections.

“I want to make sure that the elections are conducted following the proper procedures. It has to be done democratically and transparently.

“I will only step down when everything concerning the party is in order. There are a lot of loose ends to tie up. The council members are aware of this,” a sombre Dr Chua said after chairing a three-hour presidential council meeting.

“Elections might be held as early as June at the branch, division, state and national levels. This process might take five months as we want to make sure that everything is done transparently.”

He said MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha had been appointed to carry out the party elections.

Dr Chua said he was aware that several party members, including former president Tan Koon Swan, had urged him to resign immediately following MCA’s unsatisfactory showing in the recent polls.

“I understand that these are people who love the party, but the majority of MCA members want me to stay. We’ve had discussions on this matter and I will make way at the appropriate time.

“I will not leave simply because a few people ask me to, but I am to be held accountable for MCA’s poor performance. Although I’m not the only one to blame, rest assured, I’ll quit sometime between June and December.”

Dr Chua reiterated that he would not seek re-election in the party elections, saying he would bear the full brunt of the party’s electoral fiasco.

He said the party’s presidential council had unanimously decided that it would stand firm on its decision not to accept any post at the federal and state levels.

“MCA will abide by the resolutions made in the 2011 and 2012 annual general assemblies that it will decline all government posts if the party performs worse in the 13th General Election (than in the previous 2008 polls).”

When asked about MCA’s reaction should Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak persuade the party to rescind the resolution, Dr Chua said he would cross that bridge when he came to it.

“I think the prime minister is aware of the resolution; we are declining all government posts out of respect for the voters’ decision. I will only answer that question if the occasion arises.”

Scores of MCA members, including veterans and grassroots members, had recently demanded that Dr Chua take full responsibility for the party’s disastrous performance that saw its candidates winning only seven out of the 37 parliamentary seats and 11 of the 90 state seats contested.

MCA won 15 parliamentary and 32 state seats in 2008.

On a related matter, Dr Chua announced that deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai would head a special task force to map out a new direction for the party.

“Also, all complaints of internal sabotage during the general election will be referred to the party’s disciplinary board for further deliberation.

“However, the complainants must provide evidence to corroborate their claims.”

Meanwhile, the party’s Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said in the event Dr Chua resigned before party elections, the deputy president would take over.

“Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai will helm the party until our election is over, according to the party’s rules.”

He said people should stop forcing Dr Chua to step down immediately as the latter still had to complete his work.

“Give him some time. Why force him? He has to ensure the smooth transition of power to his successor. Let him take his time. He has already said he will resign.”