MCA central committee member Chor Chee Heung today defended his appointment as head of the committee to investigate the party's Youth annual general meeting fracas and said it was never meant to usurp the powers of the disciplinary committee.

Refuting claims that was his appointment was 'unconstitutional', Chor said any committee set up to look into specific or non-specific matters can only come into existence with the direction of the presidential council, according to Section 45(2) and (3) of the party's constitution.

"The appointment is to fast track the investigation and is not in any way meant to usurp the powers of the disciplinary committee," Chor told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

"Why did the presidential council make such an appointment? To my understanding the issue is unprecedented in the history of MCA - even during the bitter crisis of the 1980s, there was never a situation like we see today.

"In view of the development that has taken place in MCA which resulted in the so-called competition between the A and B factions where every member of the presidential council or disciplinary committee are connected one way or another, would it be fair for anyone from either committees to sit in judgment of the fracas?"

Chor said his task was merely to set up a committee of party elders, mobilise legal experts to look into the constitutionality and legality of the matter and to hand over the report to the presidential council for deliberation.

He said he was aware that his appointment may be perceived to be contrary to the party's constitution as a disciplinary committee headed by deputy chief Lim Ah Lek was already in existence.

Decision not unanimous

Yesterday, MCA Youth chief Ong Tee Keat called the presidential council decision to appoint Chor as head of the investigation into the fracas at the wing's annual general meeting as unconstitutional.

Ong said the decision was not a unanimous one and some members did not have the opportunity to air their differing opinions at the meeting on Monday.

Chor was appointed by MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik to "coordinate and supervise" the investigation.

Ling said Chor was selected as he was a lawyer by profession and the deputy home minister. Chor was also empowered to appoint "whoever he thinks suitable" to look into various aspects of the matter and report to the council from time to time, Ling added.

The disciplinary committee headed by Lim comprises vice-presidents Chua Jui Meng and Dr Fong Chan Onn as well as Women chief Dr Ng Yen Yen and Ong himself. Chua and Ong are linked to Lim's camp (Team B), whereas Fong and Ng are said to be linked to Ling (Team A).

'Not for the disciplinary committee'

Chor said he has not decided who are the party elders to be selected, but said they should be seniors who are at least connected to the present leadership, work for the best interest of the party and are fair-minded.

He said they may be professionals and conceded that personalities who may fit the bill are former deputy president Lee Kim Sai or former president Dr Neo Yee Pan.

Chor said members of the disciplinary committee who were perceived to be caught in the middle of the controversy should decline to sit in judgment of the fracas.

"Why do judges in a court of law disqualify themselves if the person to be charged is their family member?

"This message is clear enough for those members of the committee who feel that they should be the ones who are going through the report and coming out with the judgment," he said.

Chor added: "I have nothing against Ong although we do not agree on certain party matters but it is not for the disciplinary committee to sit when Ong is also a member who is involved in the controversy. Besides, the fracas is not limited to just disciplinary matters."

He said he would mobilise members and "get the work done" when he returns from a seminar in Singapore this Saturday.