Tee Keat wants to come back to MCA central leadership

Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat, who was knocked off the top post by the party’s central delegates in 2010, has now announced his willingness to return to the central leadership, pledging not to be evasive any more.

Granted an “entry ticket” for this after being elected as a central delegate for Kubang Pasu MCA in Kedah recently, Ong (left in photo) said he did not mind being "downgraded" by contesting a non-presidential post.

“I did not say that I will not contest for any other post except for president... It is a matter of opinion whether this is considered downgrading or not.

“As far as it is concerned, neither the party constitution nor the Registrar of Societies’ rules state that one is disallowed from contesting for a post lower than the one held previously," he said.

However, Ong kept mum when asked what post he was aiming for.

His ouster in 2010 gave Ong the dubious honour of serving as the party’s president for the shortest term ever.

Visionary leader will end MCA's 'downfall'

Despite the humiliation, Ong said he was able to let go the past and is willing to work with the current party leadership.

"The party has to move on. I choose to forgive.

"Most importantly, the current leadership should be equipped with new ideas in order to give new hope to the people," he told a press conference after attending a charity event in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ong said he was wrenched upon learning about the spat between current MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek (right in photo) and deputy president Liow Tiong Lai (left in photo).

"Frankly speaking, if you were to say I'm without feeling on seeing this (infighting), that's impossible," he said.

He added that the urgent task for MCA now was to conduct soul-searching to find its value of existence, especially to engage with the younger generation.

As MCA experienced the worst electoral defeat in its history at the May 5 general election, Ong said the Chinese-based political party needed a visionary leader to end the downfall.

Asked if Chua and Liow were visionary leaders, Ong said he was not commenting on others and that it was up to the public to evaluate.