TOP MCA leaders believe that the Greater Unity Plan (GUP) proposed by its president Datuk Seri Tee Keat could be the key to resolving the crisis in the party.

Newly-appointed Central Committee (CC) member Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the plan could help members put aside their differences so that the party could serve the people.

“It’s good that there are plans to settle the crisis and both sides agree on having fresh elections. date has not been set though I understand that Ong wants to have elections in six months while deputy president, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek wants it in March, and MCA vice-president Liow Tiong Lai wants the elections by the end of the year. So we’re still waiting for the date to be set,” he said.

Another committee member, Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho agreed, citing that “the GUP is only a proposal and has not been finalised yet”.

“It’s good to have fresh elections. But to wait any longer can lead to another crisis and it will make Barisan Nasional (BN), MCA and the Chinese community look bad. We need to put our differences aside. This must be done fast.

“Either way, we have to wait until fresh elections take place then only can we have a new crisis-free organisation, hopefully,” said Chai.

MCA vice-president, Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said that all MCA leaders should stop talking to avoid any speculation.

“The problem now is not everyone in the party is aware of the stand but fresh elections are something to look forward to. I hope that everyone in the party can compromise,” said Kong.

All three leaders said party members need to work as a team.

“They should at least present us with the detailed plan because some are still unsure as to what is going on. But I believe that as long as everyone plays their role to avoid further crisis in the party, it will be fine,” Lim said.

Tan added that for the plan to work, everyone needs to start giving ideas for discussion together.

“I hope there will be transparency and the only way to start fresh is to have an election. The plan might be good but it has to be complete in all aspects,” he added.

However, Kong said, “My expectation of the GUP varies as I have to look at what has been confirmed and decided. Of course we all hope for unity. Enough with the crisis. We should focus on how to strengthen the party,”.