Is MCA president Ong Ka Ting conjuring up excuses to avoid engaging his challenger in an open debate?

This seemed to be what presidential hopeful Chua Jui Meng suggested when commenting on his latest rejection to a debate.

Yesterday, the president told Chinese radio station 'Wow FM' that he turned down the invitation to debate because he did not want the Malay media to sensationalise any sensitive issue that might crop up.

He said this would affect his 'negotiations and discussions' in the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition.

Responding to this, Chua said as a veteran politician he knew what topics should and should not be discussed.

"We both have spent many years in party and in the cabinet, we would know what to say and what not to, we are mature enough to understand the sensitive issues," he added when contacted.

Ong has the edge

On the same note, he said Ong had come up with various reasons to sidestep a debate with him.

"First time I invited him to debate in Mandarin but he rejected even though he had an advantage because he is from a Chinese educated background.

"The second time I invited him for an English debate and he said he was advised not to debate with me because he is the president," said Chua, who is now MCA vice-president.

He added that an English debate was important so that the non-Chinese community could be aware of what was transpiring in MCA and besides this, as a national leader, one must be prepared to talk to everyone.

Chua said the 56-year-old MCA was a maturing democratic party and thus should pave the way for a serious presidential contest.

"MCA did not have any serious fights for presidency in the past six years hence we should have a democratic open debate now. A man of his (Ong) standing and standard should be prepared to meet his opponent," he added.

Chua, who was the former health minister, also revealed his disadvantages as compared to the incumbent president.

"He has all the platforms and so many functions in the party (to attend) which I don't. I don't have the privileges to control the press. So we should have an open debate for the delegates and Chinese community to understand our views," he said.

In view of this, Chua said his debate invitation will remain until the party's election slated for Aug 20.

Why was Chua dropped

In the radio interview yesterday, Ong said he gave the health minister post to another vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek to increase the metabolism of the party.

He also said that Chua (Jui Meng) was one of the party's longest serving ministers.

Responding to this, Chua asked: "How do you select the minister? The length (of ministership) or the minister's performance?"

"According to his logic, does it mean that he (Ong) and Fong Chan Onn (human resources minister) would have to step down after their next term of ministership? And how about former president Dr Ling Liong Sik?" he said.

Ling was transport minister for 17 years, vice-president Fong has held his cabinet post for 15 years whereas Ong has been housing and local government minister for the past six years.

On the other hand, Chua was health minister from 1995 until he was dropped from the list last year.