Pro-Chua EGM: Big name lends support
Lee Way LoonPublished: Aug 29, 2009 12:20 PM | Updated: Aug 29, 2009 12:49 PM
The campaign to hold a MCA extraordinary general meeting received its first official endorsement today with former Federal Territories MCA chief Tan Chai Ho lending his signature.
The campaign to hold a MCA extraordinary general meeting received its first official endorsement today with former Federal Territories MCA chief Tan Chai Ho lending his signature.
"Other than myself, most of the central delegates from my division have signed the endorsement letter," Tan, who is Bandar Tun Razak MCA division chief, told Malaysiakini.
However, he refused to reveal the contents of the letter, but said that there were "four to five" agendas proposed.
It is understood that the two main agendas was to overturn the party leadership's decision to sack deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek and pass a vote of no-confidence agaisnt president Ong Tee Keat.
Tan's endorsement for the EGM is crucial because he is a veteran member of the party's 45-member central committee member.
During his tenure as a deputy minister, Tan had defended Chua when the latter was embroiled in a sex scandal last January.
Meanwhile, Tan also denied speculations by Chinese-dailies that he was the "main coordinator" for the EGM.
"All I can say is that I am one of the coordinators," he said.
However, he confirmed speculations that the coordinating committee for the EGM is considering choosing a hotel near to the MCA headquarters in Jalan Ampang as their operations room.
Ong meets state leaders
However, this has yet to be finalised, but one of the options was Corus Hotel, situated opposite the MCA headquarters.
"Until now, we have yet to set up an office at Corus hotel, but over the next few days we will make a decision," he said.
In another development, Ong today held a 30-minute meeting with seven state MCA chairpersons, where it is understood they received instructions on how to contain the fallout following Chua’s sacking.
Among the seven were Wong Foon Meng (Selangor), Ho Khai Mun (Pahang), Dr Yeow Chai Thiam (Negeri Sembilan), Tee Hock Seng (Federal Territories) and Liow Tiong Lai (Penang).
The identity of two others cannot be ascertained. Other state leaders such as Chew Mei Fun (Perlis), Wee Ka Siong (Malacca) and Kong Chor Ha (Perak) did not attend the meeting due to prior engagements.
Speaking to reporters later, Liow and Wong both poured scorn on attempts by Chua’s supporters to convene the EGM.
“"We have respect for the delegates who want to hold an EGM, we also need to respect the wishes of those who don’t... MCA still have many reform plans so we have to maintain our stabability and cannot allow any actions that detrimental to the party,” said Wong.
He also dismissed speculations that Ong’s supporters would hold an EGM of their own to pledge support for Ong.
"Other than myself, most of the central delegates from my division have signed the endorsement letter," Tan, who is Bandar Tun Razak MCA division chief, told Malaysiakini.
However, he refused to reveal the contents of the letter, but said that there were "four to five" agendas proposed. It is understood that the two main agendas was to overturn the party leadership's decision to sack deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek and pass a vote of no-confidence agaisnt president Ong Tee Keat.
Tan's endorsement for the EGM is crucial because he is a veteran member of the party's 45-member central committee member.
During his tenure as a deputy minister, Tan had defended Chua when the latter was embroiled in a sex scandal last January.
Meanwhile, Tan also denied speculations by Chinese-dailies that he was the "main coordinator" for the EGM.
"All I can say is that I am one of the coordinators," he said.
However, he confirmed speculations that the coordinating committee for the EGM is considering choosing a hotel near to the MCA headquarters in Jalan Ampang as their operations room.
Ong meets state leaders
However, this has yet to be finalised, but one of the options was Corus Hotel, situated opposite the MCA headquarters.
"Until now, we have yet to set up an office at Corus hotel, but over the next few days we will make a decision," he said.
In another development, Ong today held a 30-minute meeting with seven state MCA chairpersons, where it is understood they received instructions on how to contain the fallout following Chua’s sacking. Among the seven were Wong Foon Meng (Selangor), Ho Khai Mun (Pahang), Dr Yeow Chai Thiam (Negeri Sembilan), Tee Hock Seng (Federal Territories) and Liow Tiong Lai (Penang).
The identity of two others cannot be ascertained. Other state leaders such as Chew Mei Fun (Perlis), Wee Ka Siong (Malacca) and Kong Chor Ha (Perak) did not attend the meeting due to prior engagements.
Speaking to reporters later, Liow and Wong both poured scorn on attempts by Chua’s supporters to convene the EGM.
“"We have respect for the delegates who want to hold an EGM, we also need to respect the wishes of those who don’t... MCA still have many reform plans so we have to maintain our stabability and cannot allow any actions that detrimental to the party,” said Wong.
He also dismissed speculations that Ong’s supporters would hold an EGM of their own to pledge support for Ong.
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