Former MCA president Ong Ka Ting is banking on his experience in settling a previous party feud in the early 2000s to propel his campaign for party presidency.  

ong ka ting interview 200310 05Ka Ting said should the 2,400 delegates retain the current crop of leaders - who are divided into three main factions - it would be akin to "running on the spot".  

"I dare not say I will definitely do better, but looking at the scenario now... I've passed the baton to them, resulting in the (mess) today. 

"If the same people (continue to) lead the party, I think they will be just running on the spot. Nothing will change," said Ka Ting told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview at a hotel in Petaling Jaya where management of his campaign is based.  

Though Ka Ting refused to drop names, his remarks were an obvious reference to two other MCA president hopefuls - incumbent Ong Tee Keat and his estranged former deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Kat Ting stressed that the current crop of top party leaders must take responsibility for the current party crisis, which observers have blamed on the Tee Keat - Soi Lek feud.  

"The party members are innocent. A leader's methods, attitude, 'heart' and wisdom is extremely important. Leaders have to shoulder an important task.

"I don't have to repeat what has happened over the past year... and party members know what to do. What went wrong? I don't want to discuss this (now)," he added.  

Willing to work with anyone

Ka Ting dismissed suggestions that his offer to lead MCA shows that the party was devoid of new talent, and stressed that he was offering his experience in resolving a similar predicament in the past.

ong ka ting interview 200310 08"Perhaps the cure for MCA's current predicament is a leader who has gone through a similar situation. It so happens that I fulfill this criteria... but I'm not saying I'm the best choice," said Ka Ting, with his trademark display of modesty.  

"My position is rather special. I have been MCA president. These so-called factions leaders have all been led by me before. I have this as a track record.  

"They are not my enemies. Instead, I have previously delegated work to them in various capacities. They have worked with me before, so I obviously can work with them," he said.  

"I believe that it is because of my background, experience and track record which prompted so many party veterans and members to voice out their support for me to contest."

Should he be re-elected, Ka Ting said he would be able to work with anyone that is elected to the central committee instead of marginalising his detractors.

"All those who are elected will be accepted as party of my team. I guarantee this."

Gentlemen's battle

Throughout the interview, Ka Ting took care to avoid being drawn into directly remarking about his opponents Soi Lek and Tee Keat, stressing that he was playing a "gentlemen's battle".

ong ka ting interview 200310 02Since Ka Ting threw his weight behind Tee Keat's candidacy for presidency back in 2008, how does Ka Ting now feel about the performance of his successor over the past year?

"Tee Keat has certain talents. But during his tenure, the party did undergo some difficult situations," he said. He refused to elaborate.

Ka Ting also denied Soi Lek's allegations that he had carefully orchestrated public demands from party veterans and division chiefs for him to make a comeback.

Instead, he asked Soi Lek to consider why the current crop of leaders lack influence as to have led to these circumstances.

Ka Ting also refused to state which - Soi Lek or Tee Keat - was the bigger threat. Both, he  repeatedly stressed, were "heavyweights" with a lot of supporters.

Tee Keat is seen to be the weaker of the three contenders and has been speculated to be the 'kingmaker' of sorts come voting day.

Ka Ting, however, dismissed this, stating that delegates are unlikely to vote according to their allegiance to party leaders. They may, however, cast their ballots based on who they think would most benefit the party.

Part II to appear tomorrow