JOHOR BARU: As expected, Johor MCA is split over party president Datuk Ong Tee Keat's decision to appoint himself as state chief.

Ong's supporters are, of course, defending his right to name whoever he pleases, including himself, to be Johor MCA chief.

Johor MCA deputy Youth chief Tang Nai Soon said there was a precedent that the "most senior" state leader was not the liaison chief, recalling that presidents Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik had also led Johor MCA.

"You may say Ong is just continuing the tradition. His agenda is to unite the party."

MCA Pasir Gudang division chairman Tan Cher Puk agreed that there was no need to appoint deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who is from Johor, as the state chief.
"Johor is MCA's last fortress, so Ong must have made his decision with the hope of consolidating the party."

MCA Pulai division chief Low Teh Hian, however, disagreed.

He said Ong's decision clearly showed that the president was out to counter Dr Chua's influence in the state.





MCA Gelang Patah division chief Teo Siew Hock said he found it hard to understand Ong's decision.

He said the top state post should go to either Dr Chua or former state liaison deputy chairman Tan Kok Hong.

"Ong pointed out in his election manifesto that the choice of state chairman should be from the state leadership. Ong is not from Johor. Doesn't his action contradict his manifesto?"