Former MCA sec-gen: Ka Ting foolish to return

Former MCA secretary-general Ting Chew Peh has openly expressed his contempt for presidential hopeful Ong Ka Ting, calling the former MCA president a “recycled leader”.
“Recycling is for solid waste,” he told a press conference here today. “It’s good for the environment but not for human resource.”

Ka Ting is involved in a three-cornered fight for the president's post with incumbent Ong Tee Keat and former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek in the presidential contest on March 28.

Ting quoted a Chinese proverb and likened Ka Ting to someone who leaves a company but returns in the guise of a “saviour” even after promising to stay out of company affairs.

"This is selfish and foolish," he said. "It's unfair to the new leadership and staff. It is time to move forward and let a new generation run the show."

Ting also slammed leaders who proclaimed their loyalty to the party, but were nowhere to be seen when the party was facing a crisis. But he came down particularly hard on Ka Ting.

"If a president is really good, there is no need to quit," said Ting. "And once you quit, stay out and allow someone capable to take over.”

'Hard to stay clean in politics'

When asked if the party was united during his (Ka Ting's) tenure, Ting said that the MCA was at its most stable under Dr Ling Liong Sik's leadership.

"It is hard to stay clean in politics. You must use some tactics in order to be a leader, but Ka Ting relied a lot on 'face-saving' tactics and media exposure for survival."

Referring to the 10 candidates vying for the four vice-president’s posts, Ting sarcastically said: “There will be six rubbish bins out of the 10.”

Of the 10, Ting felt that Ng Yen Yen will “go through” (re-elected). He, however, said Kong Cho Ha, nominated for the post of deputy president, may face difficulties in making the cut.

“Those vying for the posts of central committee (CC) members must strive for media exposure and promote themselves or they will be at a severe disadvantage,” said Ting.

“I have been with the party for so many years, but I still haven't met some of these candidates before. How do they stand a chance if no one knows them?”

Eighty-six hopefuls are aiming for the 25 posts in the CC, making it the highest number of candidates in the history of MCA elections.

by FMT