Members eyeing 93 positions in party polls
KUALA LUMPUR: It is a straight fight between Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Tan Chong Seng, a former central committee member from the Kuala Selangor division, for the MCA president’s post.
The nomination process for the party polls at Wisma MCA here went on smoothly yesterday, with 153 members eyeing 93 positions in the main body, as well as the Wanita and Youth wings.
As nominations closed at 5pm, incumbent deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and Wanita deputy chief Tee Hooi Ling had no challengers and retained their positions.
Four candidates for Wanita vice-chairman posts also won uncontested. They are Loh Siew Ying, Tan Choo Kuan, Tham Fong Kiew and Liew Kim Moy.
In the main body, seven candidates are running for the four vice-president posts, with incumbents Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Datuk Lim Ban Hong and Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker taking on challenges from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (central committee member), Datuk Lawrence Low (deputy treasurer-general), Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting (Youth chief) and Dr Pamela Yong (Wanita vice-chairman).
One of the incumbent vice-presidents, Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, is not contesting.
A total of 48 others are vying for the 25 central party committee posts.
Friendly contest: Tan (left) is challenging Dr Wee for the post of MCA president in the party polls. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
In the Wanita wing, Wong You Fong is defending her chairman post against Datuk Ooi Siew Kim, who is Penang Wanita chief.
In the Youth wing, three candidates are contesting the top post after Wong passed the eligible age of 40.
The candidates are Yong Peng assemblyman and Johor state executive councillor Ling Tian Soon (national organising secretary), Daniel Wa Wai How (Youth secretary-general) and Bernard Chan Kee Siang from the Klang division.
Central committee member Chong Yew Chuan is taking on Nian Yien (deputy treasurer-general) for the wing’s No.2 post.
There were 35 and 40 nominations respectively for central committee member posts in the Youth and Wanita wings, which have 25 vacancies each.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the introduction of candidates and campaign activities will kick off on a national scale last night itself, with the Federal Territories MCA taking the lead in a meeting last night.
“The nomination process for MCA, Wanita, and Youth concluded without any hitches.
“The profiles of all candidates will be made available on the party website to facilitate the voting process for members,” he said after nominations yesterday.
Chong said voting will be held on Sept 23 and 24.
“The voting window will open from 2pm and close at 7pm,” he added.
Polling for the Wanita and Youth wings falls on Sept 23, followed by elections in the main body on Sept 24.
The party polls would involve 52,736 divisional delegates comprising 29,151 MCA delegates; 5,016 MCA Youth and 18,569 Wanita MCA delegates.
A total of 160 polling stations would be set up nationwide.
MCA’s annual general assembly is scheduled for Oct 21-22.
