One party, two deputy presidents - that appears to be the latest situation afflicting the already problem-riddled MCA with Liow Tiong Lai refusing to vacate the deputy presidency post.

NONE This morning, the Registrar of Societies (ROS) dealt a severe blow to the health minister's political aspirations when it revealed via a letter that Dr Chua Soi Lek was the rightful No 2.

Speaking at a press conference this evening, a defiant Liow declared: "I am still deputy."

Also present at the press conference were Youth chief Wee Ka Siong, Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun and nine other central committee (CC) members.

The press conference was held around the same time as party president Ong Tee Keat and Chua held another press conference on a different floor at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur with the majority of the other CC members.

Appeal or legal action

Liow said he reserved the right to appeal against the ROS' decision, or even take the matter to court if necessary.

He was chosen as deputy president by the CC 19 days ago after Chua was sacked in August.

NONE The minister also expressed shock that Ong had sacked four CC members aligned to Liow this morning.

The former ally of the president - who was later branded as a traitor by Ong - accused the party boss of not being sincere in implementing his 'greater unity plan'.

"This is not the way for the greater unity plan. The four became victims even before the unity plan started.

"The plan should be inclusive and not see drastic actions like sacking," he said.

Do not recognise Chua's reinstatement

NONE Meanwhile, Liow and his supporters also refused to recognise Chua's reinstatement as deputy president.

They cited three reasons for this:

1) The CC suspended Chua's membership and party post together.

2) The ROS has no right to interfere in party matters.

3) It was a disciplinary action taken against Chua which did not require two-thirds of the central delegates to impeach him.

CC member: EGM is on

Meanwhile, CC member Wong Nai Chee told the press conference that the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) would "definitely happen".

mca call for egm 291009 wong nai chee The lawyer-turned-politician was one of the three who requisitioned for the EGM to decide if a fresh polls was necessary to resolve the current impasse.

Wong said the trio would meet MCA secretary-general Wong Foon Meng to make the necessary amendments to the contents of the resolution.

This is response to Ong's statement that the legal bureau, after studying the resolution, found that some portions were unconstitutional.

Wong said the secretary-general has until Thursday to send out notices for the EGM to the central delegates.