Will former MCA president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting make a political comeback? Following the party's dismal performance in the 2008 general election, the former Housing and Local Government Minister had decided not to defend the top post.
Nevertheless, it is learnt that several party grassroots leaders have been pushing for Ka Ting's return as they felt he could strengthen and unify the embattled party.
Among them is Gurun assemblyman Dr Leong Yong Kong who yesterday, made a public appeal for the former party president to come out of retirement and save the “sinking ship" or “save the party”.
Party sources said Ka Ting's former close aides are also talking to him into make a comeback, reasoning that none of the current crop of leaders are able to unite the party which is scheduled to have a fresh poll on March 28.
But some grassroots leaders said Ka Ting, who could not be contacted for comments, would stay out as his elder brother and former secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan has expressed intention to contest in the election.
Ka Chuan lost in the battle for the deputy president's post to Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in the 2008 party poll.
Last week, the party's leadership crisis saw a dramatic twist when 22 elected central committee members resigned, including Chua and all four vice-presidents.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha hinted today that he might go for the party deputy president's post.
"I will either defend my vice-president position or might go for deputy president. It has not been decided yet. I will let you know when the time is right," he said.
Nomination for the party poll will be held on March 22 and party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat is said to be planning to announce his move to defend the post today.- Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment