The ex-MCA president will only contest for the top post provided there is no multi-cornered fight. He says the party’s present predicament is unprecedented in MCA’s history.
PETALING JAYA: Ong Tee Keat announced today that he would be contesting for MCA presidency provided there is no multi-cornered fight. In other words, he is ready to take on anyone in a straight fight for the president’s post.
“I offer myself to go for presidency in view of the party’s present predicament that is deemed unprecedented in the history of MCA,” he said in breaking the news to FMT in an exclusive interview here.
“I offer myself for that position only if there is no such thing as multi-cornered fight,” he added.
Ong, who was ousted in 2010 by incumbent party president Dr Chua Soi Lek, is not keen on multi-cornered fights as he believes they portray the party in a negative manner.
“I’m not keen to throw my hat into the ring if there is a multi-cornered fight, that is to say the party is still in such a chaotic situation,” he said.
“But at the same time, if at all common sense prevails and if my service is needed, I have no qualms to offer myself,” he added.
Responding to whether he would throw his weight behind Chua or incumbent deputy president Liow Tiong Lai, Ong said: “This doesn’t come across my mind right now.”
“In both camps, there are people who have been supportive of me. I see no reason why I should take sides and aggravate the split,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we need to mend the rift. After all, by and large at the grassroots level, I see no reason why they should segregate themselves along faction line.
“This factionalism makes them look so volatile. All those who are in factions are not governed or dictated by political beliefs… but mere supporters of individuals,” he added.
Ong then criticised the ongoing public spat between Chua and Liow as unproductive and detrimental to the party and government of the day.
“Look at all the present unproductive bickering; they are not substantive issues on the party, community and nation. They are not beneficial to the people,” he said.
“All these arguments are deemed petty and largely linked to personal interest or faction interests. They should be set aside,” he added.
The former transport minister believes his experience in administration and as a former MCA president would give him an added advantage in reforming the party.
‘I am still politically potent’
He then denied “retiring from politics” and reiterated that he was ousted by Chua, who also dropped the ex-Pandan MP (Ong) as a candidate during the recent general election (GE13).
“I have never announced or declared my total exit or retirement from politics. I have been a backbencher for the past three years,” he reiterated.
“This year, I did not contest not because I retired, but because I was dropped against my will. But I still continued to tow the line,” he added.
Asked if he would still be contesting for a smaller leadership post if his bid for presidency is not successful, Ong said: “Most certainly”.
“In democracy, there is no hard rule dictating that once you were president, when you make a comeback, you cannot go for other posts,” he said.
“I can contest for any other post as long as it is in the leadership.”
On Friday, Chua launched a broadside against his deputy, calling Liow a “weak and indecisive” leader who is unfit to helm the party.
Chua also discouraged Liow from running for the party presidency during the upcoming MCA polls on Dec 21, urging him to step down and make way for younger party leaders instead.
The MCA chief said although he was willing to own up to the party’s dismal performance in GE13 by relinquishing the party presidency, he expressed his concern for Liow’s poor leadership.
Earlier today, MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong said he would “seriously” consider not contesting any national post in upcoming party polls should Chua break his promise and try to defend the presidency.
Declaring that the integrity and credibility of MCA “will be at stake” if Chua contested, Wee said he does not have any ill-feelings against the party supremo.
As it stands, the fight for the presidency is expected to be between Chua and Liow. Wee meanwhile is expected to run for the deputy’s post.
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