19 MCA divisions back Chua to defend post

Leaders also declare no-confidence in Liow contesting for president’s seat

JOHOR BARU: At least 19 MCA divisions announced their support for MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to defend his position in the party elections at the end of this year.

The leaders comprising 11 division chiefs and eight deputies also issued a seven-point statement to declare their no-confidence in deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai contesting for the president’s post. Johor has 26 MCA divisions. Gelang Patah MCA chief Jason Teoh, the group spokesman, read out the statement.

He later said Dr Chua cannot be solely blamed for the party’s poor performance in GE13.

“There are many reasons, including the Chinese having wanted to change the government and supported Pakatan Rakyat,” he said during a press conference here yesterday.

Teoh, also state MCA vice-chairman, added that when MCA faced the greatest defeat, Liow did not have the courage to bear the responsibility but started blaming others.

“MCA is now sitting in a dreadful political situation and the party needs a decisive skipper to lead the party.

“MCA will not see a better tomorrow if the party is under the leadership of a weak and indecisive leader,” he added.

Asked if the group supported Liow to remain as deputy, he said: “We are just saying that we support the present Number 1 to remain while the present Number 2 cannot be Number 1. We have not decided on Number 2 remaining in his present position.”

Among the divisions not present at the press conference were Pagoh, Parit Sulong, Pulai, Johor Baru, Simpang Renggam, Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Piai.

Meanwhile, state MCA secretary Tay Puay Chuan said the leaders decided to openly defend Dr Chua as there was a smear campaign to bring down the president.

He added that the smear attempts included a committee comprising 23 division leaders who wanted to query Dr Chua on MCA’s asset management.

Tay added that it was strange for two of MCA’s central committee members to be part of this group, because there had been two briefings on MCA assets by the party auditors.

Johor will be sending 422 delegates for the party elections in December.