Gan to give Wee a run for his money

KLUANG MCA division chief Gan Ping Sieu will take on deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for the presidency in the upcoming party elections.

Wee, whom analysts had earlier deemed to have a very good chance with Perak chief Dr Mah Hang Soon as his running mate, may find the going a little tougher now as words have it that Gan, who has teamed up with Johor deputy chief Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, has the blessing of former party chief Tan Sri Chua Soi Lek.

According to a report in Sin Chew Daily yesterday, Chua is expected to fire the first salvo for his endorsed pair by questioning the wisdom of the current leadership for proposing to demolish Wisma MCA to make way for a 70-storey skyscraper.

Wee enjoys the advantage of being the sitting deputy president, a former minister as well as being the sole MCA MP to survive the Pakatan Harapan onslaught in the 14th general election.

His running mate Mah, a former Perak exco member, has a good track record to show but the latter’s fall-out with party secretary-general, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, will add an element of uncertainty to the pair’s chances.

It is learnt that Ong is in favour of the Gan-Tee combination.

A source told Sin Chew that Chua, who was earlier tipped to make a comeback, has decided to “field” his mentee Tee instead.

Gan, a former deputy youth and sports minister, had clocked good mileage from his debate with DAP’s Liew Chin Tong on hudud before the last general election.

Keen contests are expected for the four vice-president posts as the incumbents – Datuk Seri Hou Kok Chung, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Datuk Lee Chee Leong – are not expected to seek re-election.