Unhappy sequel awaits MCA
ANALYSIS The leadership vacuum in the MCA has created greater uncertainty in the party and tension among second-echelon leaders as to who should take over.
This will intensify the wrangle not just for the vacant posts, but for the bigger reward of ministerial portfolios that victory will bring.
azlanInstead of settling the long-running feud between the top two, last Saturday's EGM has only widened the rift in the party.
Wits in the vernacular press have already dubbed the loss of confidence in president Ong Tee Keat and the sacking of his deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek as Goreng Kang (Ong) and Kong (Chua).
Veteran leaders and Chua's supporters are pressing for the mass resignation of central committee (CC) members - especially those appointed by Tee Keat - and for fresh polls which could see a comeback for them.
They argue that the central delegates had vetoed Tee Keat's leadership as well as the collective decision to suspend Chua's membership. Chua and two former vice-presidents, Fong Chan Onn and Donald Lim, are among the heavyweights who hold this view.
Scores of grassroots leaders are now expected to join the chorus for a new round of polls, with some even threatening to call another EGM if their wish is not heeded.
Others say in desperation that, since Tee Keat and Chua received the support of 2,251 of the 2,380 delegates eligible to vote, they should be allowed to keep their posts. Tee Keat and Chua had 1,141 and 1,110 votes respectively, but lost their posts by 14 and 74 votes.
wong foon mengOfficer bearers like secretary-general Wong Foon Meng (left) and vice-president Liow Tiong Lai - as well as a number of CC members aligned to Tee Keat - have rejected fresh polls. They want to resolve the quandary through the party constitution and have urged members to be patient pending a solution.
They are obviously looking to emulate the 2003 peace solution brokered by then Barisan Nasional (BN) head and premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
It saw MCA head Dr Ling Liong Sik and his deputy Lim Ah Lek resigning, and vice-presidents Ong Ka Ting and Chan Kong Choy stepping into their posts.
Hidden hands?
The outcome of the EGM is said to have been the work of about 50 or so delegates who turned the tide against all expectations.
Some conjecture that the so-called third force was orchestrated by Ka Ting and Chan. But many theorise that it was an act of sabotage by some of the vice-presidents who have the most to gain from the vacancies.
Party insiders point out that the wording of the resolutions, as well as the equal support obtained by both sides, have opened up opportunities for the 'third force' to emerge as the ultimate winner.
liow tiong laiNONESpeculation is rife that Liow (right) and vice-president Kong Cho Ha (left) are set to take over the leadership. Malaysiakini reported that succession talks were held last Sunday to strike a deal ahead of the crucial CC meeting tomorrow.
Liow, a staunch supporter of Tee Keat, is said to be the preferred presidential candidate, but Kong and Ng Yen Yen, the first woman vice-president, seem to be more in tune with the Chua faction.
Another vice-president, Tan Kok Hong from Johor commands little influence and is considered as a non-factor in the line of succession.
chew mei funwee ka siongOngoing negotiations may hit a snag because Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun (right, who supports Liow), and Youth head Wee Ka Siong (left), are also said to be eyeing cabinet seats.
They want Ng out of the picture, as this would open up another vacancy for a ministerial portfolio. Currently MCA has four federal ministers - Tee Keat, Kong, Liow and Ng.
There is speculation that Tee Keat prefers Wee to team up with Liow but judging by the mood on the ground, his sudden elevation from Youth chief to No 2 would not be welcome.
If the succession deal fails to go through before tomorrow's CC meeting, it is believed that Kong and Ng will team up with the veterans and Chua to call for fresh polls or even another EGM.
However, BN head and premier Najib Abdul Razak may have something to say in ending the stalemate. Some Umno leaders are leaning towards Kong for the MCA presidency and Liow for the deputy, based on seniority.
They are said to be even exploring the possibility of removing the problematic Transport Ministry from MCA, given the extent of the Port Klang Free Zone scandal.
Whatever the immediate outcome, MCA's problems are a long way from a final solution.
Source: MalaysiaKini
ANALYSIS The leadership vacuum in the MCA has created greater uncertainty in the party and tension among second-echelon leaders as to who should take over.
This will intensify the wrangle not just for the vacant posts, but for the bigger reward of ministerial portfolios that victory will bring.
azlanInstead of settling the long-running feud between the top two, last Saturday's EGM has only widened the rift in the party.
Wits in the vernacular press have already dubbed the loss of confidence in president Ong Tee Keat and the sacking of his deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek as Goreng Kang (Ong) and Kong (Chua).
Veteran leaders and Chua's supporters are pressing for the mass resignation of central committee (CC) members - especially those appointed by Tee Keat - and for fresh polls which could see a comeback for them.
They argue that the central delegates had vetoed Tee Keat's leadership as well as the collective decision to suspend Chua's membership. Chua and two former vice-presidents, Fong Chan Onn and Donald Lim, are among the heavyweights who hold this view.
Scores of grassroots leaders are now expected to join the chorus for a new round of polls, with some even threatening to call another EGM if their wish is not heeded.
Others say in desperation that, since Tee Keat and Chua received the support of 2,251 of the 2,380 delegates eligible to vote, they should be allowed to keep their posts. Tee Keat and Chua had 1,141 and 1,110 votes respectively, but lost their posts by 14 and 74 votes.
wong foon mengOfficer bearers like secretary-general Wong Foon Meng (left) and vice-president Liow Tiong Lai - as well as a number of CC members aligned to Tee Keat - have rejected fresh polls. They want to resolve the quandary through the party constitution and have urged members to be patient pending a solution.
They are obviously looking to emulate the 2003 peace solution brokered by then Barisan Nasional (BN) head and premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
It saw MCA head Dr Ling Liong Sik and his deputy Lim Ah Lek resigning, and vice-presidents Ong Ka Ting and Chan Kong Choy stepping into their posts.
Hidden hands?
The outcome of the EGM is said to have been the work of about 50 or so delegates who turned the tide against all expectations.
Some conjecture that the so-called third force was orchestrated by Ka Ting and Chan. But many theorise that it was an act of sabotage by some of the vice-presidents who have the most to gain from the vacancies.
Party insiders point out that the wording of the resolutions, as well as the equal support obtained by both sides, have opened up opportunities for the 'third force' to emerge as the ultimate winner.
liow tiong laiNONESpeculation is rife that Liow (right) and vice-president Kong Cho Ha (left) are set to take over the leadership. Malaysiakini reported that succession talks were held last Sunday to strike a deal ahead of the crucial CC meeting tomorrow.
Liow, a staunch supporter of Tee Keat, is said to be the preferred presidential candidate, but Kong and Ng Yen Yen, the first woman vice-president, seem to be more in tune with the Chua faction.
Another vice-president, Tan Kok Hong from Johor commands little influence and is considered as a non-factor in the line of succession.
chew mei funwee ka siongOngoing negotiations may hit a snag because Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun (right, who supports Liow), and Youth head Wee Ka Siong (left), are also said to be eyeing cabinet seats.
They want Ng out of the picture, as this would open up another vacancy for a ministerial portfolio. Currently MCA has four federal ministers - Tee Keat, Kong, Liow and Ng.
There is speculation that Tee Keat prefers Wee to team up with Liow but judging by the mood on the ground, his sudden elevation from Youth chief to No 2 would not be welcome.
If the succession deal fails to go through before tomorrow's CC meeting, it is believed that Kong and Ng will team up with the veterans and Chua to call for fresh polls or even another EGM.
However, BN head and premier Najib Abdul Razak may have something to say in ending the stalemate. Some Umno leaders are leaning towards Kong for the MCA presidency and Liow for the deputy, based on seniority.
They are said to be even exploring the possibility of removing the problematic Transport Ministry from MCA, given the extent of the Port Klang Free Zone scandal.
Whatever the immediate outcome, MCA's problems are a long way from a final solution.
Source: MalaysiaKini
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