MCA to be led by GE13 losers? Chee Leong, who lost Kampar, to go for No. 2 post on Gan's team

PETALING JAYA - As the MCA elections draw nearer, the candidate line-up of the two main rival factions has become clearer.

Central committee (CC) member Datuk Lee Chee Leong, who was earlier tipped to contest a vice-president's post, is expected to be nominated for the deputy presidency by president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's team, Oriental Daily News reported yesterday.

He will partner vice-president Gan Ping Sieu, who announced his intention to contest for the top post last week.

A change in scenario is very likely to prompt Lee to take on Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong for the No. 2 post instead of going for the vice-presidency, a party source told the daily.

Dubbed Mr Nice Guy, Lee, who is Kampar MCA chief, won the CC post with the highest number of votes (1,430) in the MCA re-election in 2010.

The source said popularity aside, the non-controversial Lee's experience as a former deputy minister in the Foreign and Home Ministries, makes him the top choice as Chua ponders his pick for Gan's running mate.

Tee Yong shifted down to VP post?

It is learnt Chua's camp had earlier contemplated fielding the president's son Datuk Chua Tee Yong but because both Gan and Tee Yong are from Johor, it had to drop the idea for fear that it may not go down well with delegates from other states.

Tradition dictates that the president and his deputy should not be from the same state.

Perak has the third largest number of delegates, fielding Lee, who is from the "silver state" will appease its delegates. - The Sundaily