No fresh polls in MCA, for now

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 – The protracted leadership crisis in MCA looks set to continue after party deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (pic) confirmed today that not enough central committee members had resigned to force new elections.

Dr Chua told a press conference at the party’s headquarters here that only 13 central committee members had resigned, eight short of the 21 needed to pave way for fresh polls as stipulated by the party constitution.

“But this does not mean that there will not be any fresh polls,” stressed Dr Chua.

“The CC members have the right to resign at anytime they want. There are those who want to resign but they might do it after Chinese New Year,” he said.

“I am always optimistic that that the top leadership want to resolve the party crisis (by holding fresh polls),” added the MCA deputy president.

Dr Chua, whose quarrel with his recent arch-rival and embattled party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat sparked off the crisis, has now formed an unlikely alliance with the latter and both of them are fighting off a faction pushing for fresh polls.

The faction is led by vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, once a stalwart in Ong’s camp against Dr Chua.

Liow and his ally, vice-president Datuk Wee Ka Siong, were among the 13 CC members who submitted their resignations a few weeks ago in a bid to push for fresh elections.

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun in a jovial mood as they arrive for the meeting. – Picture by Jack Ooi

Speaking to reporters later, Liow who was present in the same building when Dr Chua’s press conference took place, said he was disappointed by the revelation.

“I am extremely disappointed with the rest of the CC members for their lack of action but I remain optimistic that there will be fresh polls soon,” he said.

Wee who was also present expressed hope that the party will hold fresh polls in the near future and shared his ally’s optimism that it would be held soon.

Asked when the vote would likely be held, Dr Chua said that he would not speculate on the date but reiterated that “there is high possibility” that more CC members will resign in February and March.

The party is required to hold elections within 30 days after a sufficient number of CC members resigned.

Meanwhile, Dr Chua said, the special committee will now make two recommendations to the presidential council – that only 13 resignations have been submitted, and to discuss if the fresh polls should be held for the Youth and Wanita wing as well.

Asked when he would tender his resignation, given his claim that he’s all for holding fresh polls, Dr Chua answered in his typical fashion: “I will let you know when I do that.”-MalaysianInsider