You are desperate, says Liow to Chua

MCA deputy president paints his boss as man who twists facts in favour of himself

PETALING JAYA: MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai has dismissed claims that he is impatient to be the new party president, as claimed by MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek, and called the move by the latter a “desperate attempt”.

“I am disappointed that Dr Chua stated that I have persistently confronted him to step down. This attempt to colour me as impatient and power hungry is unjustified and desperate,” said Liow.

The Bentong MP claimed that this is the second time Chua has publicly referred to private and personal conversations between them.

“The first of such conversations were initiated by him on May 11 2013 before the presidential council meeting where he declared his intention to step down as party president and the need for a smooth transition.

“There were many other subsequent meetings where upon conversations covered numerous issues regarding party interests and I am shocked that he misinterpreted my earnest participation,” said Liow.

According to Sin Chew Daily, Chua had accused Liow of being impatient to be the new party president. He claimed that Liow had met him three times after the 13th general election (GE13) asking him to step down.

“At the second and third meetings, Liow asked when am I going to retire and requested me to give him a date so that he can take over as president. According to the party constitution, once the president steps down, the deputy can take over the post without being acting president,” said Chua.

Chua then revealed that with this move, Liow can be the president and come the year-end party polls, he will not be challenged.

Liow however maintained that “MCA’s interests are above all personal agendas and the leadership should be looking into the transparency and governance issues facing the party today.”

Tee’s reinstatement ruffles members

“Many questions are arising from grassroot’s level regarding a number of issues, namely, Tee Siew Kiong’s reinstatement which went against the disciplinary committee’s decision and the revived troubles at Matang Holdings Bhd. These are the issues we should be addressing,” he stressed.

MCA on September 5 lifted a three-year suspension imposed on former national organising secretary Tee Siew Kiong, who became a Johor executive councilor despite the party’s pledge to decline all government posts, after GE13.

The suspension was lifted after Tee presented new evidence to the MCA central committee to prove that he did not take the position on his own free will but on the orders of the Johor Sultan.

15 MCA central committee members, including Liow, Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita chief Yu Chow Tow expressed disappointment over the party’s decision to lift the three-year suspension on Tee.

The 15 said the move was inconsistent with the party general assembly’s decision not to accept any government post should they fare worse in the general election, regardless of the nature of appointment