Ong Ka Chuan to make way for younger brother

Former MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan will not contest the top six posts in the party polls on March 28 because his brother Ka Ting is going for presidency.

With this, he has ruled himself out of the race for the party presidency, deputy presidency and four slots for vice-president.

Although he had contested the deputy president's post in 2008, Ka Chuan said he would sit out the polls this time round to avoid "sensitivities".

"It is not my fault that we are brothers," Ka Chuan said jokingly to reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

“I also feel I should avoid this sensitivity, and allow Ka Ting to concentrate on his campaign. Some (people) are there to lead, some are there to support. MCA needs a lot of talent,” he said.

Ka Chuan indicated he might contest for a slot in the central committee, but can only confirm this in a few days.

He rubbished claims that he would be returned to the secretary-general's post should his brother become president.

Ka Ting had announced his candidacy yesterday, saying that he had been urged by delegates to salvage party unity.

He was the first to challenge Ong Tee Keat, who has confirmed that he will defend his post. Former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek is expected to make an announcement this week on his candidacy in the polls.

Nominations for the 31 posts - which include 25 central committee seats - will be held on March 22.

Ka Chuan said there should not be any qualms about Ka Ting contesting the post, as long as he is a legitimate delegate and the party's constitution allows for this.

“The party is in a very vulnerable situation. It is a very divided situation, so we need (capable) people to unite the party,” he said.

“I think (there) is really a need for everybody to put effort into MCA. Ka Ting was the president, he has the experience, he has a proven track record. I cannot say he is the best but he is one of the persons I think is suitable.”

Although Ka Chuan refrained from expressing outright support for his brother, he hinted that a variety of candidates would offer the delegates more options.

“I don't want to comment or say things (whether Tee Keat or Chua can solve party issues) but you can see what is happening in MCA - we had an EGM (extraordinary general meeting) and then (there has been) one episode after another.

“Well 30 people will be changed but definitely there is nothing wrong with giving another option for the delegates to choose from.”

He also said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, also BN chairperson, should not be “dragged” into the battle as he is not a MCA member.

Muhyiddin non-committal

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin would not comment on Ka Ting's comeback and the MCA saga.

“Don't draw me into this situation. I don't think it's fair (even) for the deputy president of BN to get involved and make unnecessary comments and complicate matters,” he said.

“I think it'll be helpful if I don't make any statements because this will be interpreted in different ways.”

He reiterated hiis confidence that MCA "has wisdom and can decide what's best for the party".

Prior to the EGM, Muhyiddin has acted as intermediary between the warring MCA leaders, in a bid to ease the conflict.

courtesy of Malaysiakini