Hwa Beng: ‘It’s time for the dictator to go’

The recently sacked MCA member told The Malay Mail that he doesn’t have a personal vendetta against party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek. — Picture by Choo Choy MayPETALING JAYA, Oct 14 — Recently sacked MCA member Datuk Lee Hwa Beng only has one mission in life right now.

Armed with 36 years of political experience, the former three-term assemblyman’s daily mantra is now “ABC”.

He says his “Anybody But Chua Soi Lek” movement, which is aimed at overthrowing MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, is his personal contribution to ensure the Chinese community in the country will get a chance at redemption, at least in the next five years.

The 59-year-old speaks to The Malay Mail on the rationale behind ABC, who he thinks should be MCA president, and his next course of action against the party.

The Malay Mail (TMM): What prompted you to start ABC?

Lee Hwa Beng (LHB): I did not plan this. In fact, I retired from politics after my defeat in the 2008 general election. Chua had said he would step down from the party before GE 13 but it appears he is going against his words. That is why I started ABC. The Chinese turned their backs against the party because of Chua. How can we continue to have a tainted leader in the party?

TMM: So ABC only came about after GE13?

LHB: Yes, I returned to politics just to remove Chua. I was voted as a national delegate before I was sacked, so I had the right to vote for the central committee on December 22. I was also able to stand for a post.

TMM: Some may call you a “lalang” as you had openly supported Pakatan Rakyat (PR) prior to GE13 only to return to politics just to topple Chua.

LHB: Yes, I was pro-Pakatan before the election but I did not join the coalition and neither did I attend any of their election rallies.

TMM: Do you have a personal vendetta against Chua?

LHB: I have nothing personal against him. We were very close. I am not his enemy. I even voted for him when he was standing against (Datuk Seri) Ong Ka Chuan for the deputy president’s post, which I now regret. He even brought his son (Chua Tee Yong) to see me once for advice on his educational path. Chua is an embarrassment to the party and the Chinese community. He must go … he is a dictator.

TMM: Who do you think should lead the party then?

LHB: It can be anybody … (Datuk Seri) Liow Tiong Lai, (Datuk Seri) Ong Tee Keat or even Ka Chuan. At least with either one of them helming the party, I am confident we can get at least 30 per cent of Chinese support for the party.

TMM: Are these leaders part of ABC?

LHB: No, this is my own movement and they are not part of it.

(His phone rings halfway through our conversation, and he was heard telling the caller, “My ABC not yet die yet. Just because they sack me, I still have other ways … I am going for a rally tonight (sic).)

TMM: So you are still attending party dinners?

LHB: I’m attending a dinner organised by Liow’s camp tonight. I can still attend these functions as I’ve not received a termination letter. But once the letter is issued, I guess there will be fewer invitations as others may not want to suffer a similar fate.

TMM: What are your plans if the party issues you the termination letter?

LHB: My sacking was not constitutional as it was not according to procedure. I did not attend any disciplinary proceeding hearings. I will opt to file a court order for unfair dismissal or I may lodge a complaint to the Registrar of Societies. Chua thought I will just be a one-day hero, but his actions has only reignited my fire to go against him.

TMM: Do you think your movement succeed?

LHB: The 2,200 delegates are all wise. They will vote for a leader who has the support of the Chinese community, and not what the divisional warlords want. Even my wife and children are unhappy as I had promised them that I would quit politics, but what options do I have? Someone must do something for the party and the community.

TMM: How will this movement benefit the Chinese?

LHB: The community needs a voice in government and they need someone who is willing to speak up. Look at the “Tanda Putera” and “Allah” issues, where no one spoke up. The party cannot afford to have a selfish leader who will not speak up. Umno knows that they need Chinese votes in the next general election and with a change in MCA, at least there is a chance to get back 30 per cent support from the community.

-malaymail