Renewed calls for PM to help resolve MCA crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- There are renewed calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and former MCA leaders to step in to resolve the persisting crisis in the party.

Najib, who is the Barisan Nasional chairman, had said that he would not interevene unless he was asked officially, after similar calls had been made by party vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and also Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Today, Rasa Jaya branch chairman Datuk Tan Kah Choun, who has called himself the spokesman for the MCA "third force", said he supported the "greater unity plan" (GUP) for the party but asked the prime minister to meet up with former party leaders to help put the MCA back together.

"In order to put an end to the MCA internal crisis and to rebuild the good image of BN, I sincerely urge the BN chairman-cum-prime minister to meet up and consult with 11 MCA party veterans who are the past presidents and deputy presidents," he told reporters.

He named Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (MCA president from March 1958-July 1959), Tan Sri Lee San Choon, Tan Sri Michael Chen Wing Sum, Datuk Dr Neo Yee Pan, Datuk Mak Hon Kam, Tan Koon Swan, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai, Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting and Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

Tan said should the prime minister be unable to meet up with all of them, he suggested that Najib meet Dr Ling and Chen or as a last resort, consult former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had dealt with at least three MCA crises.

Tan said as long as the MCA could move on peacefully, united and strong, it did not matter who became the president and deputy president.

He is also against the Nov 28 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) called by the group of 16 central committee members ahead of the party's annual general meeting on Dec 5.

He said they should instead adopt the GUP initiated by party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek last month as the two, once rivals, were prepared to work together for the sake of the party.

Meanwhile, MCA Petaling Jaya Utara secretary Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou called for a halt to the leadership squabble.

"As a grassroot leader, I feel very strongly that there should be an end to all knee-jerk reactions," said Dr Wong in a statement.

He urged all quarters to attend the Nov 15 dialogue with the grassroot leaders from 191 MCA divisions planned by Dr Chua to clear many issues once and for all.

"It does make sense that all involved parties and especially the grassroots who form the silent majority should meet under one roof for a dialogue; to be briefed and updated on the current issues inclusive of any unity plan to put MCA back on its feet," Dr Wong said.

Wanita MCA vice-chairman Datuk Agnes Shim urged all party members to support the GUP.

"This internal bickering has been going on non-stop for a few months and the fact that it has not been solved till today causes the public to feel disappointed with the party. If this goes on, MCA will lose the trust and support of the Chinese community," she said in a statement.