KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA elections is still more than a month away but the race for the 25-seat central committee is already heating up.

The New Straits Times learnt that more than 100 grassroots leaders have told their supporters they are going for the seats -- the most in the party's 59-year history.

Several Chinese newspapers have put the figure as high as 126.

At least 10 incumbents won't be seeking re-election. Among them are Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, Datuk Wong Kam Hoong and Datuk Ch'ng Toh Eng.

Those who are aiming to move up the party hierarchy include Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Datuk Tan Chai Ho and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Kong and Tan are vying for the vice-presidency, while Chew is expected to go for the Wanita chief post.
Newbies hoping to make it into the central committee include Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chun, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wee Jeck Seng, former Selangor Youth chief Wong Koon Mun and Kedah state secretary Datuk Chong Itt Chew.

Other contenders include "Save MCA" campaign organisers Datuk Theng Book and Datuk Lim Choon Kin, Subang division chief Lee Wei Kiat and Putrajaya division chief Koo Chin Nam.

The scramble for the central committee posts is caused by the absence of a cai tan (menu) of preferred candidates.

In previous MCA elections, the cai tan culture was an open secret in the party where top leaders came up with a list of candidates they favoured to be returned to various posts.

Despite the record number of central committee aspirants, however, political observers predict that less than half will actually file their nominations on Oct 13.

Former Temiang assemblyman Datuk Lee Yuen Fong said the usual tactic involved making early "announcements" to gauge reactions from supporters and members.

"This is an age-old strategy to gauge support for their bid," he said.

Seputeh division chief Datuk Chai Kim Sen quipped: "I am sure more than half will not file their nomination papers."

He added that there would be a lot of "horse trading" between now and next month as aspirants negotiated with their rivals to make way to improve their own chances.

Koon Mun said the absence of a cai tan was positive for the party.

"It actually spurs many people to try their luck. No matter who wins or loses, at least it gives us the opportunity to experience it."