MCA central committee backs Nanyang takeover
Eight committee members had voted against the deal.
Those who opposed the deal were party deputy president Lim Ah Lek, vice-presidents Chua Jui Meng and Chan Kong Choy, Youth chief Ong Tee Keat, elected committee members Wong Mook Leong, Fu Ah Kiow and Tang See Hang, and appointed committee member Tan Yee Kew.
Speaking to reporters later, MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik said the party's committee members fully supported the acquisition of Nanyang Press, which publishes Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press.
"The members gave full authority to Huaren to proceed with the purchase," he said, adding that the committee also resolved that he, as the party chief, will be overseeing the management aspects of their new acquisition.
Ling, who was accompanied by vice-presidents Ong Ka Ting and Fong Chan Onn at the press conference, added that shareholders of Huaren had also given their full trust to the party to handle the matter.
Absence from the press conference were party deputy president Lim and two other vice-presidents, Chua and Chan. Yesterday, Chua expressed grave reservations in supporting the deal in a press statement.
No party interference
Ling also said that he appreciated the concerns shown by various groups over the takeover, pledging that the party would not interfere with the running and the editorial functions of the two newspapers.
"We appreciate their concerns. We are not upset or unhappy (about their concerns), instead we must appreciate their opinions. We promise to address their concerns and fears," he said.
"We pledge we will not interfere in the editorial planning. We will ensure professional management in order to be a paper that is truthful, reliable, responsible and care for the poor, and a nation builder. We will do our very best for the interest of the nation, community and shareholders."
On Monday, it was announced that Huaren, which also owns the popular English daily The Star, would be buying Nanyang Press for RM230 million in cash from tycoon Quek Leng Chan's Hume Industries and Hume Plastics.
The controversial takeover by the Chinese-based political party in the ruling coalition has sparked widespread opposition from a number of journalist groups and community organisations.
On the resignation of Nanyang's top senior editorial staff, Ling denied any knowledge and said that as a general rule, if a company is taken over by another management, the new group would bring in its own staff but "99.9 percent of the old staff will be appreciated".
On why there was little coverage in English daily The Star about the protest against the MCA-Nanyang deal, Ling said "that is up to those who are managing The Star".
Asked where Huaren was getting the RM230 million in cash to buy Nanyang, Ling said he would have a separate session to explain that, telling the journalists that "this is all you can digest at the moment".
Asked on what grounds the eight central committee members did not agree to the deal, Ling said "you are asking me to read their minds. We will never get a hundred percent agreement on any issue. This is a democratic process".
Legal implications
Asked if there were any legal implications if any of the trustees of party's investment arm Huaren Holding do not sign the agreement to seal the deal, Ling said he will also leave this issue for a separate session.
Two of four trustees, Lim and Chua, are against the takeover, while Ling and secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh back the move.
Yesterday, a party source told malaysiakini that Lim and Chua would not ink the agreement to buy Nanyang, which is to be signed by 4pm tomorrow. This could pose a legal obstacle to the deal.
When asked what would happen if those who opposed the Nanyang takeover sought a court injunction to prevent the deal, Ling said that he would leave the matter to the courts.
Despite that the go-ahead has been given by the central committee, Ling refused to say that the deal is considered 'done'.
Meanwhile, earlier in the afternoon before the party's meeting at the MCA headquarters, a skirmish occurred between two opposing groups who came to demonstrate their stand on the issue.
About 150 protestors led by opposition party DAP gathered in front of Wisma MCA at around 4.15pm. Headed by DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock, the group carried a banner which read: "Disaster for Chinese community and Malaysian Democracy".
Fifteen minutes later, a group from MCA led by Ipoh Barat member of parliament Ho Cheong Sin arrived bearing a banner stating:"We support the acquisition of Nanyang Holdings".
Both groups began reciting songs and tried to outdo each other. DAP supporters chanted, "press freedom", while MCA responded with, "we support MCA".
Scuffle
Tensions heightened when Ho flashed an obscene hand signal at the DAP crowd. Kerk responded by urging Hor not to agitate the crowd.
"We do our part (to calm the supporters), and you do your part," said Kerk.
"Go back to DAP! Wallop!" Ho shouted in reply, then looked back, his crowd moved in and tried to wrap Kerk with a long white paper banner. However, Kerk managed to free himself.
A scuffle then broke out on the staircase of the building entrance in which a few men shoved, punched and kicked a young student.
The youth said he was just standing on the stairs leading up to Wisma MCA when two or three men started beating him.
About 20 riot police officers moved in soon after to restore order and kept the crowd separated into two groups.
However, the police made no arrests as the attackers fled the scene and a representative from human rights group Suaram told the police that the young student was a victim of the assault.
At about 4.40pm, MCA deputy president Lim Ah Lek arrived and was cheered by the crowd. Some, rushed forward to shake his hand, shouting "Dato' Lim, we support you. Vote with your conscience".
The party's central committee began its meeting 20 minutes later at 5pm, which did not end until 8.30pm.
