Most Selangor MCA divisions want Chua to stay

KLANG: More than two-thirds of MCA divisions in Selangor have urged party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to defend his position in the December elections.

Fifteen of the 22 divisions issued a strongly worded joint statement claiming that deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was unsuitable to be president as he placed his personal interests first. They labelled Liow as “weak and timid”. The 15 divisions are Klang, Kapar, Kuala Langat, Sepang, Kota Raja, Sungai Besar, Pandan, Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Subang, Tanjung Karang, Hulu Langat, Puchong, Sabak Bernam and Ampang.

In the statement read out by Selangor MCA deputy chairman and Klang MCA chief Datuk Teh Kim Poo, they claimed that the recently concluded division elections showed that most grassroots members still supported Dr Chua.

“We hope the president, in view of the party’s interests and the hopes of most party members, will continue to seek re-election as the MCA president and lead the party in the elections in December,” he said.

Teh said the current political climate called for an experienced and strong leader to helm MCA.

“The responsibility for the severe loss in the general election should not fall on the president alone.”

“Liow, as chairman of the general election preparation committee, should also share the responsibility as in the past three years, he had never visited any MCA operation centre other than his own. He had the least concern for the party.”

After the general election, Teh said Liow, who is also special task force chairman, had failed to stop his supporters from damaging and tarnishing the reputation of other MCA leaders.

“Although some of these opportunists have been sacked by the disciplinary board, Liow still continues to defend these offenders.”

“This goes to show that he is unable to differentiate between black and white. He prioritises his personal interest because he ignores the existence of discipline within the party,” he said.