SEREMBAN: Former MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who was not given any prominent party post when the list of appointments was announced on Tuesday, said he was not disappointed and respected the decision by the party president.

He said he would abide by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat's decision and would continue working for the betterment of the party.

"We must put individual interests and feelings aside and place the progress of the party in the forefront.

"I hope the new line-up will be able to rise up to the challenges and take the MCA and Barisan Nasional to greater heights. For now, we must give them the time and trust they need to get going."

Tee Keat named deputy president of the Senate, Datuk Wong Foon Meng, as the new secretary-general. Ka Chuan also lost his Perak MCA state liaison chief post to Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
Ka Chuan was named as head of the party's history and documentation bureau.

Newly-appointed Negri Sembilan state chairman Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Thiam said he was grateful for the appointment after having been the state deputy chairman for the last 18 years.

The former state executive councillor and Lukut state assemblyman said he would do his best to maintain strong relations among the BN component parties in the state and work to win back seats held by the opposition in the next general election.

"I know I have a challenging task ahead, but I will do my best. I also hope to give the younger members in the party greater roles and help groom them to be future leaders."

Dr Yeow dismissed allegations of factionalism in the state MCA, saying all indifferences had been resolved and that unity was strong.

"Disliking a certain individual does not mean we are divided. There are bound to be differences, but the important thing here is to put these aside and work together for the party and the BN."

There were rumours earlier that the state MCA was split into two factions, one aligned to Dr Yeow and the other to Seremban division chief Datuk Peter Lai Yit Fee.