MCA party old timers are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that the central committee would today decide for MCA’s top two to unite all factions for the benefit of the people.

The committee will have to  conclude if MCA is to hold an extraordinary general meeting or see the resignation of the central committee (CC) en bloc — which  will force a fresh election.

The veterans also applauded the announcement by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee  Keat and his suspended deputy Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek last Thursday that they had decided  to put aside personal differences and work together.

The duo had not been on good terms since they were elected to their respective positions last October.

However, there are certain quarters within the party who suggest that the “handshake” between the two would not make any difference to the party’s damaged image, and therefore feel that there is a need for the party members to re-elect its leaders.

Former MCA secretary-general, Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, who held the position for 15 years, feels that both leaders — who have been serving the party for years — should be given a chance to unite and work together  for the benefit of the people.

“I strongly believe it would work, provided that all parties involved are sincere to work in favour of the interest of the party.”

Ting said the recent ruckus within the members has caused many to lose their credibility in the party.

Therefore, by working together, it could be possible to regain the trust of many. Former Dewan Rakyat Deputy
Speaker, Datuk Lim See Ching, who was in the party’s central committee since the mid-1980s till last year, feels really sad to see such battles taking place in the second largest party  under the ruling party of Barisan
Nasional.

Acknowledging the fact that it would be better if the both could “make up” and end the whole issue that has been prolonging, he however said that it’s best for the party’s central committee to make a decision.

“I think we should leave it the central committee to make the decision. If the two can work together, it will save the trouble of going to the poll all over again.

If such scuffles don’t stop, the party won’t be relevant anymore in the future.”

MCA head of central delegates, Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho said that both leaders should be good examples to the delegates and put aside their differences to make decisions that benefit the delegates and the community.

“We want to move forward and a party poll at this point of time will not make anything better. It’s easier to get matters resolved within the leadership as it will be even more troublesome to get all the delegates involved. It  should be solved at the level where it started.”

He believes an EGM and a reelection should be a last resort. Former Subang Jaya State assemblyman and party veteran, Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said that if a fresh poll were held, it would be shifting the problem to the lower level and the party would be bruised further after the EGM.

“The polls will make the issue  stickier when it comes down to the big number of delegates. If Ong and Chua are willing to work together then I think it’s no longer an issue. I think the saga should come to an end with them
working together.”

Fresh elections better for the party

THERE are some within the MCA who feel polls are necessary to elect a fresh set of leaders for the betterment of the party.

Titiwangsa MCA youth division vice-chairman, Lau Chin Kok said that new elections would clear the current mess in the party.

“It’s a saga that has lasted almost a year and people are confused as to who is in and out. “That needs to be cleared and re-election will clearly show what the delegates want. If the same leaders are selected again, then
it will be a re-endorsement of power for them. If new people are selected, then those who lost the polls should leave,” said Lau.

Wangsa Maju MCA youth division secretary general, Tee Kum Seng said the party has faced too much turmoil in the last one year and the solution is to start from scratch again.

“If we want to regain the trust of the people, then we have to listen to what the people want. The last EGM showed exactly what the people want.”

Tee feels that the best solution to the matter is to let the people decide what they want and after that, the party shall start fresh with new leaders.

He added that no one is against the unity plan. However, the content of the plan needs to be studied and accepted by everyone.

“There will also be differences in that matter as the party will be divided in two again. Therefore, a fresh start is needed for the future of MCA,” said Tee.