Ong: MCA delegates not 'voting machines'

Delegates who will be voting at the MCA's polls on March 28 were not "voting machines" but people who could make their own choices, said MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

He said under the democratic system, anyone could lobby for votes but ultimately it was up to the voter to make his or her own choice.

Ong said this when asked about remarks made by MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday that the wing would ensure its over 200 delegates would not vote for Ong at the poll.

Ong on Saturday had announced that he would be defending the presidency.

"We are not forcing anyone to vote for this or that candidate. If a leader can control such a number of delegates it must be fantastic, but delegates are not 'voting machines'... they too have their own choices," he said after launching his election campaign at the Kelana Jaya MCA division, here today.

At the event held at an open car park, a van emblazoned with his election theme "Ong Tee Keat for President" was displayed and will be used by the Transport Minister in conducting his campaign across the nation.

Walking the talk

To a question, Ong said in the past few days many had asked whose blessings he had received (in defending the presidency) and that his answer had been it was the people.

"So today as well I tell you what's happening in the past few days. When people asked me who are the big and prominent personalities giving you the blessing... I said I can only think about of people... the man in the street," he said.

Ong further reiterated that he was committed to transforming the party as he had previously pledged.

"If at all a person is committed to his cause, then it is his duty to ensure that he walks the talk. I remain undetered by whatever speculation... by whatever intimidation that may come in my way," he said.

The function today was also attended by Wanita MCA secretary-general Senator Heng Seai Kie, who is also Deputy Information and Communcation Minister, and some 50 supporters.

The party called for fresh polsl to be held on March 28 after two-thirds of the members of its all-powerful central committee, including deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and all four of its vice-presidents, quit to pave the way for the new election.

- Bernama