Liow: I’m ready to face EGM
(The Star) – MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai says he is ready to face an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to censure him.
He expressed confidence that the central delegates were mature enough to make wise and important decisions.
Liow said this at a press conference here yesterday, flanked by central committee members Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Lee Wei Kiat, Wanita chief Datuk Yu Chok Tow and former Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
On Monday, 20 out of 43 from the MCA central committee (CC) petitioned for the EGM. One of the four resolutions was to censure Liow for refusing to accept and respect the party’s collective decisions, and for failing in his duty as chairman of the general election preparation committee.
The petition stated that Liow’s actions had provoked party infighting after the general election and tarnished the MCA’s image.
Liow retorted by saying that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek should bear the bulk of the responsibility when the party did badly in GE13 because it was “he who determined the party’s strategy and direction for the polls”.
“It was the president who decided on the candidates and discussed with Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the exchange of seats and the giving up of seats,” he said, chiding the 20 petitioners for going after the wrong person.
On the other three resolutions – for the party to accept appointments by the Federal Government, state governments and government-linked companies – Liow said he had always felt that the MCA should be part of the Government.
The MCA had previously resolved not to accept any government positions if the party’s performance in GE13 was worse than that in GE12.
The MCA won seven parliamentary seats and 11 state seats in GE13 against 15 parliamentary seats and 31 state seats in GE12.
Subsequently, Sebatang Pulai assemblyman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, who accepted a Johor executive councillor post in June, was suspended by the party.
Nevertheless, a majority from the CC had voted to lift the suspension last month after Tee appealed with a letter from the Johor palace stating his appointment was the Sultan’s decision.
Liow said the CC, by doing so, had gone against the spirit of the resolution.
His faction failed to call for an EGM last month to reverse the CC’s decision because their petition was submitted during the transition period when the party’s divisional elections were already in progress.
Liow said he would ask the CC to add a resolution to discuss Tee’s case.
Dr Chua is scheduled to chair a CC meeting at the party headquarters here tomorrow.
