MCA’s big two should both quit, says ex-president

A former MCA president has suggested that MCA’s top two leaders, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, should step down to bear responsibility of the party’s disastrous showing in the 13th general election.

“People have been talking about who should bear responsibility for the party’s performance, post-general election,” said Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat (pic) in an interview with The Malaysian Insider.

“As a rule of thumb and in accordance with universal practices, then of course the party chief can’t run away from it.”

He said Liow, the party’s deputy president, should also be held responsible as he headed the election preparation committee. “It’s a collective responsibility,” he said.

The MCA won only seven of 37 federal seats and 11 of 90 state seats that it contested in the May 5 general election, a slide from the 15 federal and 32 state seats it held after the 2008 national polls.

Immediately after that, there were calls from veteran and grassroots leaders for Dr Chua and Liow to step down.

Tee Keat's predecessor, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, resigned after the Election 2008 “political tsunami” due to the party’s poor performance.

Tee Keat was elected to head the party in 2008, but a power struggle within MCA led to a re-election in 2010 where Dr Chua won and took over as MCA president.

Tee Keat noted it was ironic that MCA’s battle cry for the general election was "Stability Above Chaos" as the current spat between Dr Chua and Liow is in stark contrast to the slogan.

He said many people, including staunch members and supporters, had complained to him about the state of the party, with some describing the situation as “deplorable”.

“They are some who have given up on MCA because they are disillusioned and disappointed with what is happening now.

“They feel instead of fighting among themselves, the leaders should focus their energies on making the party relevant and regain the support of the people. That’s the least party leaders should do.”

Asked whether a new crop of leaders should lead and rejuvenate the party, Tee Keat said that is up to the central delegates to decide.