Pheng clinches Hua Zong presidency with Cheng as his deputy

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GEORGE TOWN: Pahang tycoon Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah is the fifth president of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong).

He won the presidency after polling 94 votes to beat businessman Tan Yew Sing by a majority of 59 votes in the Hua Zong elections here yesterday.

Victorious: Pheng (front row, third from left) and Cheng (front row, second from left) celebrating with supporters and delegates after they won the top two Hua Zong posts in Penang yesterday.

The Pahang Assembly Hall president succeeds Penang Chinese Town Hall president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong who had to step down after serving the maximum three terms (each term is two years).

Pheng’s running mate, Cheng Lai Hock of Kedah, won the deputy president’s post, polling 71 votes to beat Lim Kah Chuan of Johor by a majority of 13 votes in the closely watched elections.

The federation groups 7,000 Chinese guilds and associations through 13 state Chinese Assembly Halls nationwide.

The six vice-president posts were won unopposed by Terengganu’s Foo Chih Wan, Negri Sembilan’s Lau Chee Boon, Malacca’s Chan Swee Yen, Perlis’ Chin Yoke Meng, Kelantan’s Tan Ken Ten, and Sarawak’s Soo Mei Kong.

Pheng, the managing director of Kinsteel Bhd and Perwaja Holdings Bhd, thanked delegates who voted for him.

“I have faith that all delegates from the 13 assembly halls will consolidate and close ranks to work for the betterment of the Chinese community,” he said at the Penang Chinese Town Hall here where the Hua Zong’s 10th annual general meeting and elections were held.

Tan, the chief executive officer of Inti Education Group and president of Kuala Lumpur-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, accepted the defeat graciously and said he would work closely with the elected office bearers.

The election of Hua Zong’s parent body was decided by 130 delegates, 10 each from the 13 Chinese Assembly Halls.

The federation, which was set up in 1991, is touted as one of the most influential Chinese organisations after the MCA and the associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia.