Sunday June 29, 2008
Leaders surprised but praise Ong’s stewardship
PETALING JAYA: MCA members must ensure that the party’s cohesiveness is observed following the president's announcement that he would not be seeking re-election during the party polls in October, vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said.
“We will try and get a clearer picture about the president's announcement,” he said, adding that it had come as a surprise to him.
Tee Keat was asked to comment on MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting’s announcement yesterday.
On speculation that he could be the successor, Tee Keat declined to react.
“As politicians, we are bound to face a lot of speculation but I have never reacted to mere speculation,” he said.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai asked Ong to reconsider his decision as MCA still needed his leadership.
He said the party was already getting stronger because of the plans Ong had put into place and that had gained the respect of the Chinese community.
“He has put in a lot of effort to strengthen the party, especially after the general election. The unity of the party now is of utmost importance. We will give him all our support,” he said yesterday.
He added that Ong’s decision came as a surprise to the wing.
Former vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said members should respect Ong's decision.
“I hope they will remain calm and united,” he said yesterday, adding that there was a need to ensure that elections at the division and central levels proceeded smoothly.
He expressed hope that Ong’s decision would not affect the morale and unity of the party.
“The process of rebuilding the party has just begun. There is a long way to go and we need the co-operation of all members,” he said.
MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim said he respected Ong’s decision. He thanked Ong for building a healthy political culture in the MCA.
Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Ong made an “honourable decision”.
He said he saw it as a part of MCA’s revival plan that would give a new breath of air to the new leaders to put MCA back on track and regain the confidence of the Chinese people.
“Hopefully, it will strengthen Barisan Nasional as a whole,” he said.
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