The MCA has called for Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin to be released from their arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
MCA seeks release of duo - Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Sept 17, 2008
The MCA Central Committee has called for Member of Parliament Teresa Kok (DAP – Seputeh) and blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, who are detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), to be released.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said Kok and Raja Petra should be investigated under other laws and be charged in court if there was evidence.
United stand: Ka Ting (right) speaking at a press conference after chairing the MCA presidential meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday. With him are MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy (second from right), and vice-presidents Datuk Fong Chan Onn and Tee Keat (left). — Bernama
“To prevent possible future abuse of the ISA, the central committee calls for a comprehensive review of the ISA so that it will apply strictly to cases relating to terrorism and subversive elements.
“There should also be a mechanism for checks and balances in the use of the ISA,” said Ka Ting after chairing a six-hour meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday.
He also said that the detention of reporter Tan Hoon Cheng for 18 hours under the ISA was totally uncalled for and the explanation given for her detention was unacceptable.
On party matters, Ka Ting said the MCA had acquired the balance of the 20.23% equity in Wisma MCA Sdn Bhd from Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Bhd for a total consideration of RM27.6mil.
The sale and purchase agreement was signed on Aug 15, 2008.
“This means that the party headquarters building is now wholly owned by the MCA,” said Ong.
He said the purchase price was based on the basis of “willing-buyer, willing-seller” after taking into account the current market value of Wisma MCA as valued by a professional valuer.
MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat hit out at Pakatan Rakyat for calling on Barisan Nasional MPs who opposed the ISA to emulate de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and resign.
He said the arrests were not sanctioned by the Cabinet and there was no reason why Ministers should resign.
Tee Keat also called on the authorities to expunge the ISA detention record of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng who was released on Saturday after being detained for 18 hours.
The MCA Central Committee has called for Member of Parliament Teresa Kok (DAP – Seputeh) and blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, who are detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), to be released.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said Kok and Raja Petra should be investigated under other laws and be charged in court if there was evidence.
United stand: Ka Ting (right) speaking at a press conference after chairing the MCA presidential meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday. With him are MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy (second from right), and vice-presidents Datuk Fong Chan Onn and Tee Keat (left). — Bernama“To prevent possible future abuse of the ISA, the central committee calls for a comprehensive review of the ISA so that it will apply strictly to cases relating to terrorism and subversive elements.
“There should also be a mechanism for checks and balances in the use of the ISA,” said Ka Ting after chairing a six-hour meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday.
He also said that the detention of reporter Tan Hoon Cheng for 18 hours under the ISA was totally uncalled for and the explanation given for her detention was unacceptable.
On party matters, Ka Ting said the MCA had acquired the balance of the 20.23% equity in Wisma MCA Sdn Bhd from Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Bhd for a total consideration of RM27.6mil.
The sale and purchase agreement was signed on Aug 15, 2008.
“This means that the party headquarters building is now wholly owned by the MCA,” said Ong.
He said the purchase price was based on the basis of “willing-buyer, willing-seller” after taking into account the current market value of Wisma MCA as valued by a professional valuer.
MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat hit out at Pakatan Rakyat for calling on Barisan Nasional MPs who opposed the ISA to emulate de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and resign.
He said the arrests were not sanctioned by the Cabinet and there was no reason why Ministers should resign.
Tee Keat also called on the authorities to expunge the ISA detention record of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng who was released on Saturday after being detained for 18 hours.
Soi Lek eyes MCA deputy president post - Malaysiakini
Sept 17, 08 11:08am
Former MCA vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek today announced that he will be contesting the post of deputy president in the party elections on Oct 18.
The former health minister will now face MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan for the number two post.
This contest is set to be Chua's bid for a political comeback after his resignation from all party and government post early this year over his involvement in a sex-tape scandal.
Previously it was speculated that he would go for the top post but it is learnt that Chua had wanted to avoid a three-cornered fight for the party presidency.
Another former vice-president and former health minister Chua Jui Meng has said that he would contest for the MCA No 1 post, challenging incumbent vice-president Ong Tee Keat.
Incumbent president Ong Ka Ting and deputy president Chan Kong Choy are not seeking a re-election.
Pundits are already describing the upcoming contest for the party leadership as a '2 Os vs 2 Cs' contest, with the Ongs - Tee Keat and Ka Chuan - battling the two Chuas - Jui Meng and Soi Lek.
Party leader Ka Ting has thrown his support behind Tee Keat and elder brother Ka Chuan - both of whom are cabinet ministers - while the two Chuas are seen to as outsiders.
However, as party veterans and former ministers, both Chuas are expected to give the Ongs a tough fight.
More news at: Malaysiakini
Former MCA vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek today announced that he will be contesting the post of deputy president in the party elections on Oct 18.The former health minister will now face MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan for the number two post.
This contest is set to be Chua's bid for a political comeback after his resignation from all party and government post early this year over his involvement in a sex-tape scandal.
Previously it was speculated that he would go for the top post but it is learnt that Chua had wanted to avoid a three-cornered fight for the party presidency.
Another former vice-president and former health minister Chua Jui Meng has said that he would contest for the MCA No 1 post, challenging incumbent vice-president Ong Tee Keat.
Incumbent president Ong Ka Ting and deputy president Chan Kong Choy are not seeking a re-election.
Pundits are already describing the upcoming contest for the party leadership as a '2 Os vs 2 Cs' contest, with the Ongs - Tee Keat and Ka Chuan - battling the two Chuas - Jui Meng and Soi Lek.
Party leader Ka Ting has thrown his support behind Tee Keat and elder brother Ka Chuan - both of whom are cabinet ministers - while the two Chuas are seen to as outsiders.
However, as party veterans and former ministers, both Chuas are expected to give the Ongs a tough fight.
More news at: Malaysiakini
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
It's game on for rivals in MCA polls - NST
Ling Hee Leong (left), son Son of former MCA president chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Ling Hee Leong (left) is up against Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Han Soon for the Perak Youth chief post.KUALA LUMPUR: Sept 3, 2008
The stage is set for fierce battles in MCA Youth and Wanita wings on Saturday.
Battle lines between two camps -- dubbed whisky and puer tea -- were clear after nominations for the top Youth and Wanita chief posts in Perak, Johor and Selangor closed last night.
These are key states for MCA leaders aspiring for high posts at the national level as they contribute about 40 per cent of delegates to the general assembly.
Leading the charge for the "whisky" team is former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik's eldest son, Hee Leong, who is facing Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Han Soon for the Perak Youth chief post.
Ling junior earned his team the whisky moniker because of his "eat, drink and be merry" philosophy. Hee Leong is seen as part of the team that is backed by Dr Ling.
Up against the whisky team is the puer team, backed by outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting. The team earned the puer tea tag because one of its key members, MCA Youth secretary-general Dr Wee Ka Siong, is known as a no-nonsense traditionalist.
Wee and Hee Leong are expected to lock horns for the national Youth chief post come October.
However, the anticipated clash for the top Perak MCA Wanita post did not materialise. Senator Heng Seai Kie won the post uncontested when much-touted challenger, Gopeng division Wanita head Yew Sau Kam did not turn up to submit her nominations.
Both the Youth and Wanita incumbents Datuk Tan Chin Meng and Chew Poh Thai are not seeking re-election.
Nominations nationwide took place between 4pm and 8pm.
In Johor, there will be a straight fight for the posts of Youth and Wanita chief. State Youth secretary Haw Chin Teck will face off against MCA Gelang Patah Youth division chairman Teo Siew Hock, while incumbent Wanita chief Tan Ah Eng can expect a bruising battle with Lee Kim Moi.
Teo and Lee are said to be aligned to former vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is widely known to enjoy a good rapport with Dr Ling.
In Selangor, there will be another huge battle between candidates aligned to party president Ong and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who is also close to Dr Ling.
The battle for the state Youth chief post will be between Lim's Petaling Jaya Selatan division Youth chief Sheah Kok Fah and Puchong division Youth chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei.
Incumbent state Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun (puer team) will face off against newly-elected Kelana Jaya division chief Ong Chong Swen. Ong's alliance is, however, unclear as she used to be a supporter of former MCA national Wanita deputy chief Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, who recently joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Three-cornered fights are on the cards for both the Kedah and Federal Territory Youth chief posts.
Kedah's Youth deputy chief Gan Hor Chye will face auditor Teh Gee Yau and state MCA committee member Ong Soon Boon, while Federal Territory's Youth secretary Chew Lian Keng will do battle with MCA Batu division Youth chief Ling Yoke Hooi and Cheras division Youth chief Dr Toh Kian Kock.
There is no contest for the Kedah Wanita chief post as incumbent Datuk Lim Bee Kau won uncontested, while the Federal Territory Wanita will see a tussle between Setiawangsa Wanita chief Chim Kim Moi and Bandar Tun Razak Wanita chief Chang Seok Sin for the top post.
In Negri Sembilan, former vice-chief Siow Koi Voon will face off against Lee Choon Fatt for the top state Youth chief post, as incumbent Fu Ming Chee is not seeking re-election.
State Wanita chief Datuk Lee Pit Chern created history when she held on to the post for the 25th year in a row.
In Penang, the state Youth chief post will see a four-cornered fight involving Taman Berapit branch youth chief Eng Hiap Boon, Bukit Mertajam division secretary Ong Tang Chuan, Bukit Bendera committee member Ng Siew Boon and Taman Kolam Air branch chief Lim Ching Yang.
Incumbent Ooi Chuan Aik has decided not to contest for the post.
As for the Wanita post, there will be a straight fight between Bayan Baru division Wanita chief Ooi Siew Kim and Nibong Tebal division chief Tan Cheng Liang.
Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu and Sabah did not see any contests for Youth and Wanita chief posts.
Tiong Lai to go for MCA VP post - Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Sept 3, 2008
Health Minister and MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai announced Wednesday he would contest one of the four posts of vice-president at the MCA elections on Oct 18.
Liow is the third MCA senior leader to announce the post he or she would contest at the party polls.
Over the last two weeks, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Hueng and Federal Territory MCA chairman and former Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho announced that they too would contest the vice-presidency.
"I will contest the vice-president's post. This is after visiting and obtaining feedback from members and delegates nationwide. They agreed to support me for vice-president and continue my struggle at the national level.
"After obtaining the support from the grassroots members, I have decided to contest the post. I thank the members for having confidence in me," Liow told reporters before a dinner with Federal Territory MCA members at a restaurant, here.
Asked why he was not going for the post of deputy president or president, Liow said he was, by virtue of being the Youth chief, an appointed vice-president and members felt that he should continue to occupy the seat.
Liow had stated last month that he would relinquish his Youth chief post and go for a higher position in the party.
Apart from the three vice-president aspirants, MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat has also announced that he would contest the party number one post in the coming elections.
Deputy Education Minister and MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Wanita MCA deputy chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun have also announced that they would contest the MCA Youth and Wanita top posts, respectively, at the party polls.
Another leader, Deputy Finance Minister and party central committee member Datuk Kong Cho Ha, is expected to announce his decision to contest a post of vice-president in Ipoh on Thursday.
Meanwhile, former Perlis MCA chairman Datuk Loh Yoon Foo announced that he would contest a post in the party's central committee.
Loh, 61, a former Perlis state executive councillor and four-term state assemblyman for Titi Tinggi, said he was not interested in any higher post.
"My decision to offer myself is to support and help the new leaders to reshape and reinvent the party so that it would be acceptable again to the community," he said in statement to Bernama.
Loh was initially tipped to contest one of the four vice-president posts.
The MCA central committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, offers 25 positions for contest. - Bernama
Health Minister and MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai announced Wednesday he would contest one of the four posts of vice-president at the MCA elections on Oct 18.Liow is the third MCA senior leader to announce the post he or she would contest at the party polls.
Over the last two weeks, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Chor Chee Hueng and Federal Territory MCA chairman and former Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho announced that they too would contest the vice-presidency.
"I will contest the vice-president's post. This is after visiting and obtaining feedback from members and delegates nationwide. They agreed to support me for vice-president and continue my struggle at the national level.
"After obtaining the support from the grassroots members, I have decided to contest the post. I thank the members for having confidence in me," Liow told reporters before a dinner with Federal Territory MCA members at a restaurant, here.
Asked why he was not going for the post of deputy president or president, Liow said he was, by virtue of being the Youth chief, an appointed vice-president and members felt that he should continue to occupy the seat.
Liow had stated last month that he would relinquish his Youth chief post and go for a higher position in the party.
Apart from the three vice-president aspirants, MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat has also announced that he would contest the party number one post in the coming elections.
Deputy Education Minister and MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Wanita MCA deputy chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun have also announced that they would contest the MCA Youth and Wanita top posts, respectively, at the party polls.
Another leader, Deputy Finance Minister and party central committee member Datuk Kong Cho Ha, is expected to announce his decision to contest a post of vice-president in Ipoh on Thursday.
Meanwhile, former Perlis MCA chairman Datuk Loh Yoon Foo announced that he would contest a post in the party's central committee.
Loh, 61, a former Perlis state executive councillor and four-term state assemblyman for Titi Tinggi, said he was not interested in any higher post.
"My decision to offer myself is to support and help the new leaders to reshape and reinvent the party so that it would be acceptable again to the community," he said in statement to Bernama.
Loh was initially tipped to contest one of the four vice-president posts.
The MCA central committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, offers 25 positions for contest. - Bernama
Monday, September 1, 2008
Spectre of money politics, factions looms over MCA - NST
Aug 31, 2008 By ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR
Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan (left) and Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
The impending MCA party election is threatening to be riddled with money politics as well as factionalism, concerned observers tell ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR
IT is more than a noisy war of words between party leaders vying for senior party posts in the MCA. Money politics and strong-arm tactics have also reared their ugly heads in the run-up to the October party elections.
There are whispers that money is changing hands to the tune of tens of thousands of ringgit -- an unprecedented development in the Chinese-based party, if these allegations are true.
Incumbent leaders are also said to be making promises to finance activities at branch and divisional levels; a trend which is happening in Perak.
The grapevine has it that money has been given to division chiefs, sometimes under the pretext of financing party programmes and purchasing equipment such as computers for schools.
When the money comes in the form of cheques, reportedly, most of the time it is from one tobacco company.
In one case reported to the party's disciplinary committee, a division chief was alleged to have dished out RM90,000 from the division's coffers for distribution to seven branches and the division's Youth and Wanita wings.
"It is the division's money and there was no reason to do so, except to buy votes and secure positions for candidates at the central level," said a former committee member of the division.
Another division leader insisted that vote-buying at divisional level to secure support for central elections was not just hearsay. Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, secretary-general of the party and a member of its disciplinary board, has received an official complaint on money politics in the Baling division in Kedah.
Several divisions are also believed to have lodged similar complaints with the disciplinary board.
In Johor, it was alleged that some central delegates would be paid RM2,000 each as an inducement to support certain candidates.
A leader from Gelang Patah division claimed at least 10 branches in the division were paid amounts ranging from RM20,000 to RM30,000.
Several grassroots leaders did not deny that money had also changed hands in other divisions in Johor, including Pulai, Kota Tinggi and Tanjong Piai.
Grassroots leaders in several states are also talking about intimidation through telephone calls, directing members to vote for certain leaders or risk facing "difficulties". Being ordinary members, those engaged in small businesses might be forced to comply, according to a party official, as they do not want trouble.
"They are ordinary members and do not want the daily running of their business and livelihood affected by intense politicking by leaders out to secure senior posts," he said on condition of anonymity.
Datuk Ong Tee Keat is so far alone in having declared his intention to contest the presidency. The housing and local government minister appears to be well favoured, but senior party leaders insist that it is Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek whom the grassroots want to lead the party.
Dr Chua still enjoys strong support in his home state of Johor as well as other southern states. His VCD sex scandal, however, remains an impediment, and he may settle for the deputy presidency.
He has not officially made known his intentions, but Dr Chua has been busy criss-crossing the country to meet MCA grassroots and engaging in an endless war of words with Tee Keat publicly and through their websites.
Observers say if the Tee Keat vs Dr Chua battle takes place on Oct 18, MCA will be led into another bruising experience of factional fighting for control of the party.
Some party leaders may have dismissed the "Team A", "Team B" battle taking shape, but in reality, no political party can run from seeing its members taking sides or forming teams when the top party post is being hotly contested.
From what is happening in MCA, it would be hard for anyone to accept that money and power do not reign in the run-up to the party elections.
The general perception is that party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is not seeking re-election, and former senior party leaders such as former president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik may have a hand in the party elections.
Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan (left) and Datuk Ong Tee Keat.The impending MCA party election is threatening to be riddled with money politics as well as factionalism, concerned observers tell ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR
IT is more than a noisy war of words between party leaders vying for senior party posts in the MCA. Money politics and strong-arm tactics have also reared their ugly heads in the run-up to the October party elections.
There are whispers that money is changing hands to the tune of tens of thousands of ringgit -- an unprecedented development in the Chinese-based party, if these allegations are true.
Incumbent leaders are also said to be making promises to finance activities at branch and divisional levels; a trend which is happening in Perak.
The grapevine has it that money has been given to division chiefs, sometimes under the pretext of financing party programmes and purchasing equipment such as computers for schools.
When the money comes in the form of cheques, reportedly, most of the time it is from one tobacco company.
In one case reported to the party's disciplinary committee, a division chief was alleged to have dished out RM90,000 from the division's coffers for distribution to seven branches and the division's Youth and Wanita wings.
"It is the division's money and there was no reason to do so, except to buy votes and secure positions for candidates at the central level," said a former committee member of the division.
Another division leader insisted that vote-buying at divisional level to secure support for central elections was not just hearsay. Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, secretary-general of the party and a member of its disciplinary board, has received an official complaint on money politics in the Baling division in Kedah.
Several divisions are also believed to have lodged similar complaints with the disciplinary board.
In Johor, it was alleged that some central delegates would be paid RM2,000 each as an inducement to support certain candidates.
A leader from Gelang Patah division claimed at least 10 branches in the division were paid amounts ranging from RM20,000 to RM30,000.
Several grassroots leaders did not deny that money had also changed hands in other divisions in Johor, including Pulai, Kota Tinggi and Tanjong Piai.
Grassroots leaders in several states are also talking about intimidation through telephone calls, directing members to vote for certain leaders or risk facing "difficulties". Being ordinary members, those engaged in small businesses might be forced to comply, according to a party official, as they do not want trouble.
"They are ordinary members and do not want the daily running of their business and livelihood affected by intense politicking by leaders out to secure senior posts," he said on condition of anonymity.
Datuk Ong Tee Keat is so far alone in having declared his intention to contest the presidency. The housing and local government minister appears to be well favoured, but senior party leaders insist that it is Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek whom the grassroots want to lead the party.
Dr Chua still enjoys strong support in his home state of Johor as well as other southern states. His VCD sex scandal, however, remains an impediment, and he may settle for the deputy presidency.
He has not officially made known his intentions, but Dr Chua has been busy criss-crossing the country to meet MCA grassroots and engaging in an endless war of words with Tee Keat publicly and through their websites.
Observers say if the Tee Keat vs Dr Chua battle takes place on Oct 18, MCA will be led into another bruising experience of factional fighting for control of the party.
Some party leaders may have dismissed the "Team A", "Team B" battle taking shape, but in reality, no political party can run from seeing its members taking sides or forming teams when the top party post is being hotly contested.
From what is happening in MCA, it would be hard for anyone to accept that money and power do not reign in the run-up to the party elections.
The general perception is that party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is not seeking re-election, and former senior party leaders such as former president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik may have a hand in the party elections.
MCA leadership race begins - NST
KUALA LUMPUR, Sun Aug 31, 2008 By Alan Ting and S. Retna
MCA leaders look all set to make their respective bids for party national positions, kicking-off their campaign rounds and criss-crossing the nation to garner votes for the election slated for Oct 18.
And like the US presidential race, which had now reached a feverish pitch after both democracts and republicians picked their respective candidates, aspirants of the second largest Barisan Nasional component party are expected to follow a similar path, announcing the posts they would like to contest.
To date, only three candidates — MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun have announced their bid.
The others have decided to play the waiting game.
For the time being, Ong seems to be the lone candidate for the presidency of the party which consists of some one million members. Wee wants to be Youth chief and Chew intends to go for the Wanita head post.
The position of Youth chief fell vacant, following a decision by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also health minister, to go for the parent body position.
The Wanita chief post has also seen a vacancy with incumbent and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen wanting to have a shot at one of MCA’s top three posts.
However, this calm setting is about to change in days to come, as indications are that after testing the ground, other leaders are expected to announce their intention on the positions they would like to contests at the MCA polls.
Wanting maximum media coverage, leaders like Home Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory MCA chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho are expected to announce their candidancy for the MCA vice presidency on Monday, knowing very well that newspapers would be hunting for stories to fill their pages during the three-day Merdeka holidays.
“I will announce my decision on Monday (Sept 1) in Alor Setar after the state liaison committee meeting,” Chor told Bernama when asked if he would go for the vice presidency.
Other MCA leaders like secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who are likely to square-off for the MCA deputy presidency are expected to follow suit in the “very near future.” Ong, the younger brother of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, had indirectly hinted that he would go for the party’s second post, after three MCA divisions in Perak announced that they supported him for the number two post two days ago.
While Lim has not made any comments on the post he wants to contest, ardent supporters of the former deputy tourism minister reveal that the “boss” would also go for the deputy presidency.
“I will announce my decision after the state MCA Youth and Wanita elections,” he said. The state MCA Youth and Wanita polls will be held simultaneously nationwide on Sept 6.
Another heavyweight, Dr Ng, is also expected to announce her bid in the next few days, possibly Monday, and talk is that the Iron Lady of MCA will fight for one of the four vice-president posts in the MCA. Sources also reveal that the outspoken Wanita leader will join the crowded veep race.
Liow, who is not defending his MCA Youth chief post, is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday. He is likely to be another vice-president candidate.
Other leaders likely to join in the fray are Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung; former Penang exco Datuk Koay Kar Huah; former Perlis exco Loh Yoon Foo; former Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam; and former Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn.
However, the bulk of party leaders are expected to fight for the 25 MCA Central Committee (CC) positions, which would be up for grabs.
Several Chinese-based newspapers have put the CC aspirants to as high as 126, with some divisions having up to three members wanting to go for the CC post.
“These people have expressed their intentions, but this does not neccessarily mean that they will file their nomination papers. As in the past, at least half will pull out,” said a party insider.
This time around, the party polls will see several “big” names missing such as OngKa Ting, deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, treasurer-general Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and organising secretary and former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.
Others who will not be contesting are MCA publicity chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and former culture, arts and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong.
These leaders have either decided not to seek re-election or will retire from active politics.
However, the question frequently asked about this MCA polls remains unanswered. Who will take on Ong Tee Keat for the party’s number one post?
Party insiders reveal that the contender could be either MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn or former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. But these two leaders could form a pact and battle it out on who should go for the top post.
“However, until now, we are still in the dark. Dr Chua wants the top post,” a party insider close to the two leaders told Bernama.
Dr Chua seems to be a clear candidate, trading barbs with Ong Tee Keat in cybespace via blogs and this is viewed by many educated MCA delegates as a good avenue to get to know the two leaders.
“It is as good as their manifesto. For Dr Chua, it shows that he is preparing to contest,” an aide to a MCA minister said.
In his blog, Dr Chua projects himself as choice to revive the MCA which received a massive blow at the March 8 general election, while Ong portrays himself as a consistent leader “without any moral issue.” However, should Dr Chua, the former health minister, opt to go for the party’s top post, the issue of morality due to his previous sex scandal will definitely haunt him during the campaign.
While these two leaders seem to be locked in battle, former health minister and veteran MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng is the dark horse as he too, is said to be “eyeing” the MCA top post.
The path is clear for Chua after he retained the Bakri (Johor) MCA division head post and “he is likely to announce his decision next week,” an aide to Chua told Bernama when asked to comment.
The next few weeks seem to be exciting times for the MCA.
Besides winning positions, party leaders know that a bigger battle awaits them. And that is to the hearts and minds of the Malaysian Chinese who deserted the party at the recent general election. — BERNAMA
MCA leaders look all set to make their respective bids for party national positions, kicking-off their campaign rounds and criss-crossing the nation to garner votes for the election slated for Oct 18.
And like the US presidential race, which had now reached a feverish pitch after both democracts and republicians picked their respective candidates, aspirants of the second largest Barisan Nasional component party are expected to follow a similar path, announcing the posts they would like to contest.
To date, only three candidates — MCA vice-president and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, MCA Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong and Deputy Wanita chief Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun have announced their bid.
The others have decided to play the waiting game.
For the time being, Ong seems to be the lone candidate for the presidency of the party which consists of some one million members. Wee wants to be Youth chief and Chew intends to go for the Wanita head post.
The position of Youth chief fell vacant, following a decision by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also health minister, to go for the parent body position.
The Wanita chief post has also seen a vacancy with incumbent and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen wanting to have a shot at one of MCA’s top three posts.
However, this calm setting is about to change in days to come, as indications are that after testing the ground, other leaders are expected to announce their intention on the positions they would like to contests at the MCA polls.
Wanting maximum media coverage, leaders like Home Affairs Deputy Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory MCA chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho are expected to announce their candidancy for the MCA vice presidency on Monday, knowing very well that newspapers would be hunting for stories to fill their pages during the three-day Merdeka holidays.
“I will announce my decision on Monday (Sept 1) in Alor Setar after the state liaison committee meeting,” Chor told Bernama when asked if he would go for the vice presidency.
Other MCA leaders like secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who are likely to square-off for the MCA deputy presidency are expected to follow suit in the “very near future.” Ong, the younger brother of outgoing president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, had indirectly hinted that he would go for the party’s second post, after three MCA divisions in Perak announced that they supported him for the number two post two days ago.
While Lim has not made any comments on the post he wants to contest, ardent supporters of the former deputy tourism minister reveal that the “boss” would also go for the deputy presidency.
“I will announce my decision after the state MCA Youth and Wanita elections,” he said. The state MCA Youth and Wanita polls will be held simultaneously nationwide on Sept 6.
Another heavyweight, Dr Ng, is also expected to announce her bid in the next few days, possibly Monday, and talk is that the Iron Lady of MCA will fight for one of the four vice-president posts in the MCA. Sources also reveal that the outspoken Wanita leader will join the crowded veep race.
Liow, who is not defending his MCA Youth chief post, is expected to make his announcement on Wednesday. He is likely to be another vice-president candidate.
Other leaders likely to join in the fray are Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung; former Penang exco Datuk Koay Kar Huah; former Perlis exco Loh Yoon Foo; former Negeri Sembilan exco Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam; and former Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn.
However, the bulk of party leaders are expected to fight for the 25 MCA Central Committee (CC) positions, which would be up for grabs.
Several Chinese-based newspapers have put the CC aspirants to as high as 126, with some divisions having up to three members wanting to go for the CC post.
“These people have expressed their intentions, but this does not neccessarily mean that they will file their nomination papers. As in the past, at least half will pull out,” said a party insider.
This time around, the party polls will see several “big” names missing such as OngKa Ting, deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, treasurer-general Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and organising secretary and former deputy education minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.
Others who will not be contesting are MCA publicity chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and former culture, arts and heritage deputy minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong.
These leaders have either decided not to seek re-election or will retire from active politics.
However, the question frequently asked about this MCA polls remains unanswered. Who will take on Ong Tee Keat for the party’s number one post?
Party insiders reveal that the contender could be either MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn or former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. But these two leaders could form a pact and battle it out on who should go for the top post.
“However, until now, we are still in the dark. Dr Chua wants the top post,” a party insider close to the two leaders told Bernama.
Dr Chua seems to be a clear candidate, trading barbs with Ong Tee Keat in cybespace via blogs and this is viewed by many educated MCA delegates as a good avenue to get to know the two leaders.
“It is as good as their manifesto. For Dr Chua, it shows that he is preparing to contest,” an aide to a MCA minister said.
In his blog, Dr Chua projects himself as choice to revive the MCA which received a massive blow at the March 8 general election, while Ong portrays himself as a consistent leader “without any moral issue.” However, should Dr Chua, the former health minister, opt to go for the party’s top post, the issue of morality due to his previous sex scandal will definitely haunt him during the campaign.
While these two leaders seem to be locked in battle, former health minister and veteran MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng is the dark horse as he too, is said to be “eyeing” the MCA top post.
The path is clear for Chua after he retained the Bakri (Johor) MCA division head post and “he is likely to announce his decision next week,” an aide to Chua told Bernama when asked to comment.
The next few weeks seem to be exciting times for the MCA.
Besides winning positions, party leaders know that a bigger battle awaits them. And that is to the hearts and minds of the Malaysian Chinese who deserted the party at the recent general election. — BERNAMA
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