KUALA LUMPUR: Phantom members used to plague MCA, especially during party elections. Now, the phantoms are taking shape as "shadow generals".

Speculation is rife that the party elections are being controlled behind the scene by two "shadow generals" -- MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and his predecessor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Everyone is talking about a Team A and Team B again -- with Ong leading Team A and Ling Team B.

Not surprisingly, both Ong and Ling have denied being involved in the polls.

"There is no such thing as a new Team A and Team B. There are no factions in MCA. It is just rumours and speculations. MCA is united as one and is approaching the party elections in a democratic and orderly manner," said Ong after chairing MCA's central committee meeting yesterday.
He added that the topic was discussed at the MCA meeting and that all leaders including those mentioned to be aligned to the new Team A and B unanimously denied the existence of the factions.

According to grassroots speculations and Chinese press reports, the new Team A is comprised of vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, deptuy president Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, deputy Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Youth secretary-general Wee Ka Siong.

The new Team B is comprised of former vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, vice-president Datuk Donald Lim, deputy Youth chief Ling Hee Liong (Tun Ling's son), former secretary-general Tan Sri Ting Chew Peh, Wanita chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen and vice-president Datuk Fong Chan Onn.

Liong Sik has similarly denied involvement. "I have retired from politics for five years now. Ever since I stepped down from MCA leadership, life has been very enjoyable and serene for me. Nothing can convince me to get involved in party matters again," said Liong Sik after officiating a Tunku Abdul Rahman College event yesterday.

However, Liong Sik, who had a long- standing feud with Tee Kiat said many party members, including some top leaders had phoned him for a response when Tee Kiat announced his desire to run for party president in the elections in October.

"As former president and cabinet member, it is not uncommon for party leaders to call me and ask for my wisdom in dealing with matters. However, all recent calls to me regarding political issues within and out of the party were merely idle chatter," he added.

MCA's infamous Team A and B rivalry dates back to 2001 when Liong Sik (A) and his then deputy Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek (B) tussled for party leadership. The split, which started as political factionalism almost tore the party apart when it escalated into violent clashes.

The matter was finally resolved in 2003 when Liong Sik and Ah Lek both agreed to retire from politics and have their respective proteges Ka Ting and Kong Choy take over.

Both Ka Ting and Liong Sik agreed that Team A and B factions are a thing of the past and neither man wants to see any form of factionalism revived in the party.

Ong said: "The party since 2004 has moved away from Team A and B factionalism or any camps for that matter. Some of us in the party even agree that the terms Team A and B should be banned from the party vocabulary.

"Team A and B is history. The party has since merged and united. We do not wish to have rival camps in the party any more. We do things democratically now."

"The party members nominate their preferred candidates and party members vote to decide. That is the new way."