Putting the shine back in MCA

analysis A ship made of solid steel heading for the junkyard is still worth "three katis" of nails and bolts, so the Cantonese saying goes.

Hence, it is understandable that political critics are taking a cautious view of the pending divisional elections in MCA, the second largest component party of the Barisan Nasional coalition, as a positive event that could breathe new life into its leadership.

After the shock waves of the party’s dismal showing at the general elections, which resulted in president Ong Ka Ting’s decision not to defend his post in national polls this coming October, there was much hype and speculation of the new leadership line-up.

Undoubtedly there is a renewed excitement within the rank and file for the party election, characterised by renewing hopes, re-branding leadership loyalty and re-directing political patronage towards new and aspiring candidates vying for posts at the national level.

Since then, there is a prevailing frenzied undercurrent at the grassroots on the re-alignment of power brokers and strategising a potential line-up of candidates vying for the divisional elections.

Although MCA has a total of 191 divisions, come nomination day on July 22, most eyes will be on Penang, Selangor, Perak and Wilayah Kuala Lumpur.

Penang is likely to attract the most attention, what with the intense rivalry between supporters of Wanita chief Ooi Siew Kim (Bayan Baru divisional chairman) and Wong Kam Hoong, currently division chairman of Bukit Bendara) spilling out to other divisions in the state.

The protracted rivalry and instability within the party in the state prompted the central leadership to appoint former deputy president Chan Kong Choy to head MCA Penang.

Liow Tiong Lai was recently appointed to replace Kong Choy as MCA Penang chief.

In Selangor, divisions identified as "hot-beds" include Sepang, Ulu Langat and Shah Alam. More than 10 divisional contests are expected to involve youth chiefs going against incumbents for chairmanship posts.

Ka Ting’s decision not to re-contest however, should not preclude intense lobbying for his loyal supporters to take on new leadership roles at the divisional level.

Clearing the second hurdle at the divisional level will propel Ka Ting’s loyal stewards (and elder brother Ka Chuan’s core supporters) to a higher level, enabling them to take on an expanded role either through appointments or contests at the national level.

Ka Chuan taking on the deputy presidency is speculated to be a real possibility. He is also the incumbent divisional chairman of Tapah and MP for Tanjong Malim.

Currently, vice-president Ong Tee Keat, speculated to contest the party presidency, is not the divisional chairman of Pandan although he won the parliamentary seat recently. Eric Ong won the Pandan divisional chairmanship by a majority of one vote in 2005.

The latest gossip within the party is that loyal steward, Wee Jeck Seng who was recently cleared of snoop squad allegations by the party’s investigative committee, is expected to contest for the post of Tanjong Piai chairman at the divisional elections.

Interestingly, new speculations have also arisen that Wee would be appointed the party’s new secretary general, replacing Ka Chuan.

Although national polls are three months’ away, speculation is rife that there will be leadership change at the youth and women wings.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Ng Yen Yen are expected to vacate their respective chairmanship posts in the respective youth and Wanita wings. They are expected to contest for a post at vice-presidency level.

Liow is currently the Bentong division chairman while Ng, who is MP for Raub does not hold any post in her division.

Ng’s move for an "elected" vice presidency post will create a vacancy for deputy Wanita chairman Chew Mei Fun (who was recently defeated in the PJ Utara parliamentary seat) to move up.

The move would enable two wanita representatives to be vice- presidents at the higher leadership echelon for the first time. The elected posts of the Wanita and youth chiefs will "automatically" become vice-presidents, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Wee Ka Siong, currently the deputy education minister, is expected to move up the ladder by contesting the top post of the youth chairmanship.

Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung will not be offering himself in the division elections, hence paving the way for his state secretary Chong Yit Chew to contest the Alor Setar division chairman post.

Vice-president Donald Lim Siang Chai is expected to file his nomination contesting the PJ Selatan chairmanship on July 22, a post he has held since 1996.

Former MP for Gopeng (Perak) and former secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh will vacate his Gopeng divisional post and is expected to opt for the chairmanship post of the Kapar division in Selangor.

Others bidding for a come back include former vice-president Chua Jui Meng, having recently won the Sungei Abong Tengah branch chairman post. He is expected to defend his Muar chairmanship post.

Majority of the Batu Pahat branches have also expressed their support for former vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek to contest the divisional chairmanship, currently held by his supporter Koh Chee Chai. Chua was recently elected as a delegate for the Tanjong Laboh branch.

Notwithstanding the keen attention on de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest this morning in relation to a sodomy complaint, eyes will also be on MCA leaders in the coming months.