KA CHUAN to return as sec-gen? All eyes on appointed posts in MCA

PETALING JAYA - With the party elections over, MCA watchers are directing their attention to appointed posts.

China Press reported today that one-time secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who is elected to the central committee, may be given the post again.

It is understood that Ong, who is aligned to Liow, is the new chief's top choice for the secretary-general post.

Under the MCA constitution, the president has the power to appoint the secretary-general, deputy secretary-general, organising secretary, deputy organising secretary, treasurer-general, deputy treasurer-general, state chairmen, deputy state chairmen and various bureau chiefs.

A source said Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, who lost narrowly to Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun in the nine-cornered vice-presidential race, is likely to be given a key post, including that of organising secretary.

Another loser in the vice-presidential race, Datuk Yoo Wei How, is also a possible candidate for the organising secretary post for helping Liow with his election campaign.

Yoo, who started out as former deputy party chief Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy's political secretary, had also held the post of organising secretary in the Youth wing and was the national organising secretary when Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat helmed the party.

As for the post of treasurer-general, it was to go to Datuk Donald Lim should Liow win, but the "deal" was considered off following Lim's decision to contest against Liow's running mate Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong. Teluk Intan division chief Datuk Seri Kuan Peng Soon has been tipped for the job instead.

Another source said former vice-president Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung, who desisted party veterans' calls for him to defend his post, is likely to be rewarded with an appointment in a government-linked company.

The report also said Wee is expected to be appointed Johor liaison chief. Other potential liaison chiefs include Lim (Selangor), Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (Perak) and Datuk Yew Teong Look (Kuala Lumpur). - The Sundaily