Tee Keat to go for MCA presidency

The 'brand new' Tee Keat says he wants to regain MCA's dignity and the Chinese community's support.

UPDATED

KUALA LUMPUR:  Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat has announced his intention to run for the MCA presidency in the Dec 21 polls, declaring that he is standing up to regain the party’s dignity and the Chinese community’s support.

In a carefully-drafted statement distributed at his media conference today, Ong positioned himself as a brand new person who has learned from his past mistakes and ready to offer himself again.

“Everyone has committed mistakes before, the important thing is that one must learn from the mistakes.

“I was once the MCA chief, but because of my exposé on ‘the RM30,000 to RM3,000’ issue (embezzlement of Chinese school allocations) and the Port Klang Free Zone scandal, I was forced to step down.

“I appeal to those who had supported me before to support me again. Let us chart a new path for the country and community, let us find new life for the party.

“Support me, the new Ong Tee Keat,” he read from the statement.

Ong said he was concerned about the MCA’s loss of Chinese support which saw them suffering major blow in the 13th general election and left with only seven parliamentary seats and 11 state seats.

“I do not want to talk about the conflicts between (MCA president) Dr Chua Soi Lek and (deputy president) Liow Tiong Lai, for it would only destroy MCA further regardless of who is wrong or right.

“But to regain MCA’s dignity, I decided to contest for the MCA presidency, and step on this rugged path,” he said in the statement.

Ong is the second MCA leader to announce his intention to contest the presidency of the second largest political party in the country after Umno.

A month ago party deputy president Liow announced his bid, and with Ong’s declaration today there would be at least two candidates fighting for the post come December.

Party chief Chua is playing his cards close to the heart, sidestepping queries whether he would seek another term.

Party sources reveal that Chua is playing the ‘wait and see game’ before announcing his decision.

People’s man
Ong today said his experience as an MP since 1989 and ability to interact with the people would help foster closer ties and regain their confidence in the MCA.

“I will do what I can to bring the party closer to the people, regardless of race,” he vowed.

He also brushed aside the ‘lone ranger’ tag bestowed on him by party members.

“If I was a lone ranger, I would not have survived as a MP. I am a people’s man not a lone ranger.”

“Whether it is true or not, I will leave it up to the wisdom of party members and the people. I humbly and sincerely seek the support of the people and the party,” he added.

Ong was elected MCA president in October, 2008, and remained in the post until March, 2010 before being ousted by Chua in the party polls.

He was also the Pandan MP for two terms from 2004, and Transport Minister from 2008 to 2010.

Ong was not given a seat to contest by the MCA leadership in the 13th general election in May this year.

When asked if he was confident of winning since he only obtained 500-odd votes from some 2,000 central delegates in 2010, Ong said things might be different now.

“Now we have a new batch of delegates. Yes, I was not favoured by the old central delegates, so I must go back to them and seek for their mandate,” he said, adding that he was willing to accept their decision.

Asked about his previous statement that he would only take part if there was no three-cornered fights, Ong said everything would be known when the process of nomination is completed.

The former transport minister admitted that a lot of people have advised him against standing but since he has made a decision, he would like to go on with that.

He also said he would invite Chua and Liow to attend his next media conference where he would unveil his plan to rejuvenate the party.