KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is likely to have two extraordinary general meetings called by rival factions next month.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has directed secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng to call for an EGM within 30 days.
The move is seen as an attempt to garner support for Ong, who has recently been buffeted by rebellions within the party, as well as seeing his reputation taking a hit over allegations that he took RM10 million from Bintulu member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, although he has denied the charge and is suing Tiong for RM500 million.
It is also to check the growing support for an EGM by a rival group comprising supporters of sacked deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua was expelled from the MCA last Wednesday for tarnishing the party's image following the appearance of a videotape showing him having a tryst with a woman at a hotel in Johor in 2007.
He subsequently resigned from all party and government posts. However, he was elected deputy president at the party polls last October.
Datuk Tan Chai Ho, a co-ordinator for the rival EGM, said the group would press ahead with its plan to oust Ong and reinstate Dr Chua.
"This latest news won't affect us. We will continue with our nationwide signature campaign to call for an EGM. We've got very good response from the grassroots and we cannot abandon our campaign now."
In an SMS to the New Straits Times, Ong said his decision was hastened by the need to quickly resolve the problems plaguing the party.
"(It's) time to seek the vote of confidence from the delegates to resolve the current problem," he said.
Ong's move confirmed an NST report yesterday that he would call for an EGM to resolve the political imbroglio in the party.
The NST reported that the EGM would have one motion on its agenda -- to seek a vote of confidence in Ong and the party leadership.
Wong said he had received the request from Ong to have an EGM. However, he had not received the agenda for the EGM.
"I will return to the office (today) and do the necessary preparations in accordance with the party's constitution.
"We need to identify the date, time and venue of the EGM before sending out the notices to the central delegates," he said, adding that he was confident the paperwork could be done this week.
According to the party's constitution, an EGM can be called by the president or requested in writing by one-third of the central committee or one-third of the general assembly.
Wong denied that Ong's move was to forestall the EGM called by Dr Chua's supporters.
"The president is empowered to call for an EGM based on the current situation. However, we won't stop the other side from having theirs."
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