Clashing views on fresh polls

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PETALING JAYA: Differing views have emerged as to whether the party should hold fresh elections following the outcome of Saturday’s extraordinary general meeting.

Some said fresh elections would be time-consuming and a waste of money. Worst of all, it could rekindle the animosity which has plagued the party for some time.

Those for fresh elections argued that this was the only way to lift the party from further crisis.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, however, urged party members to wait for the outcome of the central committee (CC) meeting on Thursday.

“It will be time-consuming if a fresh party election is to be called.

“It will also anger the Chinese community, which is fed-up with the infighting,” he said.

Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said she would respect any decision made by the central committee.

“Let us wait for the central committee meeting to be held,” she said.

Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong also shared the same sentiment, adding that any decision made must be in accordance with the party constitution.

Central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker urged party members to be patient and the CC should offer the best solution for the party.

Another CC member, Gan Ping Shou, said there were many possible options and the people should not jump to any conclusions.

Holding a fresh party election, he added, would send a wrong signal to the people that the party had nothing better to do but to conduct several elections in a short period of time.

“We held a party election less than a year ago and we just called for an EGM last week.

“If we are going to hold a fresh election, it will take about two months to prepare,” he said.

Penang Wanita chief Tan Cheng Liang said she was for the party to hold fresh election.

“It is a democratic move and the party’s interest is of utmost importance,” said Tan, who is also a CC member.

Former deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said fresh elections should be held and president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat should resign.

He also called for the resignation of the CC members appointed by Ong.

“Ong should resign after receiving the vote of no confidence even though a two-thirds majority is needed to remove the president,” Chua told a press conference yesterday.