Soi Lek starts accusing rivals of MONEY POLITICS as contenders emerge for his presidency

PETALING JAYA - MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek "suggests" that party delegates electing their new leaders next month learn from what some members of the public did in the last general election – take whatever money given by the Barisan Nasional and MCA but vote for the Opposition.

Speaking to the press after chairing the Johor MCA convention in Kluang on Sunday, Chua, who is also state liaison chief, said that money politics is serious in the run-up to the Dec 21 party polls, and revealed that there is intervention by businessmen.

He also suggested businessmen who are funding party leaders to buy votes to donate their money to Chinese primary schools and charity instead, China Press reported today.

Chua said ever since 1988 when he first contested in the party elections, he has heard of money politics in the party but never was it as serious as this time around.

He believes some party leaders have resorted to vote-buying because they lack confidence, are rich or due to the intervention of businessmen who want certain candidates to win.

If money determined the outcome of the elections, there is no more value left in party positions, nor dignity for the party, he said.

He urged leaders not to resort to money politics for the sake of party dignity, future and reputation.

Only then can party members appreciate the new leadership, he said, adding that only leaders who stay clear of money politics are worth supporting.

On the upcoming party national convention, Chua said it should not discuss whether MCA should accept Cabinet posts, which was already put to a vote at the October extraordinary general meeting.

To do so for the second time in two months gives others the impression that MCA leaders are desperate for Cabinet positions.

Chua also pointed out that Malaysia is moving towards a two-race political system.

He said the Chinese should accept the observation of former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew in his latest book, that whether Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat rules Malaysia, Malays play the dominant role in the federal government, and a government dominated by the Chinese can only happen in Penang.

The Sundaily