MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai has urged former party chiefs to stay out of the year-end elections to give other capable leaders the chance to revitalise the party.
He named deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, vice-president Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung, central committee member and former secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong as having the capability to take over from president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is not seeking re-election.
In an interview with Oriental Daily News published today, Lim said any of the four has the criteria needed to lead the party. Other leaders may be too old or are considered has-beens, he opined.
Asked about speculation that former president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat might give the presidency another shot, Lim said: "Those who had been given the chance (to lead the party) should give others a chance."
On the possibility of him moving up the rungs, Lim reserved comment, saying he would make it known only after the division polls.
Lim had, in the wake of MCA's previous electoral defeat in 2008, made a similar appeal to then party chief Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting to opt out of the party elections later that year.
He had also identified five leaders who were capable of taking over from Ong, including Tee Keat who went on to win the presidential election and Chua, who won a three-way fight for the top post in 2010 at the height of a leadership tussle.
MCA will hold its branch elections on Aug 2-4, division polls on Sept 20-22 and central elections on Dec 21.
Lim said leaders who want to contest the No. 1 post must make sure they have the means to ensure the Chinese-based party can be an effective check and balance in the Barisan Nasional as well as able to counter the onslaught of Pakatan Rakyat.
- theSun
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