MCA top brass take a backseat

Leaders to embark on next chapter, won’t contest in elections

YONG PENG: There is life and love after politics. After clocking up more than two decades in politics, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun is starting a new chapter in life.

At 54, and still single she must get a “divorce” from MCA first this November.

It is learnt that Chew is planning to pursue a doctorate in China.

Relating his conversation with Chew, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said she told him that she had “married with MCA” for too long and that it was time to start a new chapter in her life.

Dr Wee said Chew is among the party’s four elected vice-presidents who would be bowing out this elections.

“I spoke to them individually and this is their wish,” said Dr Wee at the opening of the Johor MCA annual convention here yesterday.

The other three elected vice-presidents are Datuk Lee Chee Leong, 61, Datuk Seri Dr Hou Kok Chung, 55, and Datuk Chua Tee Yong, 41.

Party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, 64, had also announced recently that he would not contest in the coming elections.

Chew went into active politics 24 years ago in 1994 when she became the confidential secretary to then Wanita MCA chief Datuk Teng Gaik Kwan.

Dr Hou was an associate professor with Universiti Malaya before he went into fulltime politics in 2008.

Chua contested and won the Labis parlia- mentary seat in 2008.

Ong and Lee were in active politics since the 1980s and 1990s respectively.

Party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, 57, will not be defending his post.

Dr Wee, 50, who is contesting the president’s post, said there were many vacancies to be filled this round.

Only a few had announced their candidacy as the Oct 15 nomination day looms.

Apart from Dr Wee who had announced his candidacy, the others are Datuk Tee Siew Kiong for the post of deputy president.

Gan Ping Sieu is tipped to go for the presidency but has yet to announce his decision.

Negri Sembilan MCA chief Datuk Seri Lim Chin Fui and Melaka MCA chief Datuk Lim Ban Hong are going for the post of vice-president.

Perak MCA chief Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon is said to be going for the deputy president’s post though he has yet to make an announcement.

Polling for the MCA elections will be on Nov 4 for the post of president, deputy president, four vice-presidents and 25 central committee members.

Changing roles: Dr Wee (third from left) presenting Liow with a gift during the Johor MCA annual convention in Yong Peng. Looking on are (from left) Tee, the speaker Datuk Hoo Seong Chang, Johor MCA secretary Datuk Lim Pay Hen and Chua. (Inset) Chew.