KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Sept 2008: MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan today announced that he will vie for the deputy president’s post in the party elections next month.
The Housing and Local Government Minister told a news conference at Wisma MCA here that the decision was made after assessing the sentiment and support on the ground.
“I have got the nod from the Perak delegates to contest for a higher position, and after this I will be going around the country to garner support,” he said.
Ka Chuan relinquished his post as the national election steering committee chairperson to contest the elections on 18 Oct.
He is the first person to announce his intention to run for the number two post.
Incumbent Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy will not seek re-election.
Ka Chuan’s announcement, which ended months of speculation on his intention, came soon after a group of grassroots leaders who were widely said to be backed by his younger brother and outgoing party president, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, triumphed in the state-level Wanita and Youth elections on 6 Sept.
They include newly elected Selangor Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Perak Youth chief Dr Mah Hang Soon.
Other leaders linked to the team are National Youth Chief candidate Dr Wee Ka Siong, vice-presidential candidate Datuk Liow Tiong Lai and presidential aspirant Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
Ka Chuan said he would work closely with anyone, particularly the other three MCA ministers in the Cabinet, on reforming and rebuilding the party.
Besides Tee Keat and Liow, the other leader is Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen. – Bernama
