Ong: Second EGM will only bring problems

2009/11/09

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat finally spoke out yesterday against the planned second extraordinary general meeting (EGM), saying it will only bring more problems to the party.

Commenting on the issue after more than a week since the requisition for the EGM was submitted, Ong said no solution would be found as the validity of the two resolutions submitted was questionable.

He stressed the validity of the resolutions took priority over everything else, even if the requisitionists had fulfilled the required number of signatures in support of an EGM.

Taking the example of parliamentary procedure, Ong, a former deputy speaker, said when a motion was tabled, the reasons or contents of the motion must be allowed and fell in line with the Federal Constitution before the House could pursue it further.

Likewise for MCA, he said the status of the EGM must consider the views of party secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng and newly-minted legal bureau chief Lim Hong Sang, who both said the resolutions were illegal.

"Otherwise, any outcome (of the EGM) will be challenged. You want to have it for what? To solve a problem or to create a problem?"

Ong said both Wong and Lim had clearly explained to the central committee (CC) the grounds on which the resolutions did not comply with the constitution.

He said this view was also supported by 29 CC members whom he claimed had pledged their support for his Greater Unity Plan (GUP) in writing.

"If it (EGM) contravenes the constitution, then it contravenes. Many of our leaders are of the mind that it goes against the party constitution."

Ong said more party members are warming up to his GUP, under which he welcomed back his former nemesis Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek as deputy president.

"More and more grassroots leaders have contacted me to give their support for the plan. This is a good sign," he said.

The three requisitionists -- CC members Wong Nai Chee, Datuk Wee Jeck Seng and Datuk Liew Yuen Keong -- are now on a nationwide road show, launched yesterday to build support and raise funds to hold the Nov 28 EGM without using party money.

The trio want to table two resolutions; to dissolve the CC and hold fresh party elections, and to nullify any changes to party positions, including new appointments or sackings, made after their Oct 10 EGM.