Soi Lek to head GUP taskforce, Ong calls for swift action

2009/11/07

KUALA LUMPUR, Sat: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has directed the immediate setting up of the MCA Greater Unity Plan (GUP) taskforce to come up with an action plan to execute swift plans on three main thrusts.

The main objectives of the plan are uniting the party, healing, transforming and re-branding the MCA.

Ong in his www.ongteekeat.net blog said that the taskforce would be headed by deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and several other leaders as its members.

Other members include the party's four vice presidents, Youth chief, Wanita chief, the secretary-general, Heng Seai Kie, Gan Ping Sieu, Datuk Chong Itt Chew, Loh Seng Kok and Simon Lim.

Ong said that the MCA's GUP that was announced two weeks ago had received overwhelming support from leaders and grassroots, including backing from two-thirds of the Central Committee (CC) in writing.

"MCA members at all levels are eager to see the GUP take shape and translate into action. Now is the time to make the GUP work," he said.

Ong said he would be monitoring the progress of the taskforce closely and expect periodic and detailed feedback.

"Translating the GUP from mere words into action and subsequently delivering them is of utmost importance now.

"This includes a retreat involving party top brass to brainstorm on how best MCA should move forward from now on and to mobilise local leaders to explain what the GUP is all about," he said.

Ong stressed that the MCA has had enough distractions over the past one year and cannot waste any more time to regain public support ahead of the next general election.

"I am sure when the GUP takes shape - right down to the divisional and branch levels - skeptics to the Plan will change their minds. They will be able to see that the healing process cannot be delayed any longer," he said.

"I am also confident they will realise that at the end of the day, winning back support from the community is more important than winning posts in the party," Ong said.

Meanwhile, MCA Special Taskforce Bureau chairman Simon Lim said today that the call for an EGM on Nov 28, had no valid reasons as it contravened with the party constitution.

The EGM, the party's second in less than two months, will see the tabling of two resolutions - to dissolve the CC and hold fresh elections and to nullify any changes made to the party positions, including new appointments or sackings after the Oct 10 EGM.

"There have been notices, advertisements published in Chinese newspapers calling for an EGM to be convened. The reasons for calling the EGM stated therein contained statements which are untrue, false and malicious against Ong," Lim said in a statement here. -- BERNAMA