Tee Yong: We can work with anyone
(The Star) A group of 15 MCA candidates headed by Labis MCA chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong says it is able to work with other contenders after the party’s Dec 21 polls.
Chua, 36, and Kampar division chairman Datuk Lee Chee Leong, 56, are going for the vice-president’s post while the rest are vying for a central committee member post (see table).
There are 31 posts open for contest – president, deputy president, four vice-presidents and 25 central committee members.
Chua said his team only filled up about half of the seats for contest and hoped others would get a chance.
“This is different from the past where each faction came up with candidates for the entire line-up, resulting in very fierce fighting.
“Nevertheless, anyone who is qualified to contest can do so,” he said during a gathering of some 800 party grassroots leaders nationwide to show support for his team at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
On the team’s winning chances and whether they got blessings from president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is his father, Chua said: “We hope the 2,380-plus central delegates will give us a chance. The president has only one vote.”
While factions were inevitable in any political party, Chua said it was important that everybody would unite after the election and work for the good of the party.
Chua said his line-up, comprising professionals, including two medical doctors, and businessmen, had the expertise and experience to contribute effectively to the party.
Seven of them were in their 30s and 40s and this was in line with the party’s need to groom young leaders, he said, adding that the more senior leaders would guide them.
The 15 said in a joint statement that there would be hope for the MCA if all in the party could accept their differences and unite as one formidable team to face the challenges ahead.
