The Barisan Nasional's preparation to wrest the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat from PKR has hit a snag, following the resignation of MCA women leader Chew Mei Fun.
Chew’s resignation from her party post and, by extension, her government appointment positions yesterday, has affected the overall confidence level of Chinese community as a whole and especially in Hulu Selangor, said PKR strategist Tian Chua.
“It shows there’s a crisis in the BN leadership, particularly in MCA.
“What has happened in MCA simply shows that there are still unresolved issues in the party and the factions within the party have not united although there is a new president,” he said.
He said it was also apparent now that the women and youth wings of the party were not supportive of the new president Dr Chua Soi Lek.
“I see her resignation as significant as the party will now not be able to form a strong team, thus leading to a loss of faith of the Chinese in the party, “ the Batu MP said .
Chew, in announcing her resignation yesterday, said the election of Chua as president compromised her core beliefs and mission to uphold human rights.
“If we accept without question leaders who are not good role models, it will send a negative message to the people, especially the children who look up to the leaders as role models, in that our party (MCA) accepts and condones such corruption notwithstanding our wholesome and respectable culture,” she said, adding that as a women leader it was her duty and responsibility to uphold gender equality and women’s rights.
On March 28, Chua made a dramatic comeback and was elected president of turmoil-ridden MCA, ousting president Ong Tee Keat.
In 2008, Chua, who was then Health Minister and MCA deputy president, resigned from his post after admitting he was in a secretly-filmed sex video which has been widely circulated. His admission left the government red-faced.
Chew, a senator and deputy minister, had on Nov 16 vowed to resign if Chua was elected president.
Yesterday, BN women chief Sharizat Abdul Jalil yesterday denied that preparations for the Aril 25 by-election in Hulu Selangor were affected by Chew’s resignation.
In attempting to dismiss rumours of internal turmoil following Chew’s departure, deputy MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said: “It just means we have to act fast. We are short of time and must rectify the situation.”
by FMT
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