Chew backs call for fresh MCA polls

2009/11/22

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Wa-nita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun hopes the second extraordinary general meeting proposed on Nov 28 would lead to fresh elections to resolve the leadership crisis in the party. She said the newly elected leaders could then hold their posts with pride and dignity.

"The EGM can decide whether a fresh election is needed and whoever wins positions -- Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai or Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek -- can hold them with dignity," she said here yesterday.

Chew, who is also deputy women, family and community development minister, said she was disappointed after being dropped from the presidential council on Wednesday by Ong, who is party president.

She added that although she was invited to rejoin the presidential council, she would not have the power to voice her views.

Chew said it was an embarrassment to her because she was the Wanita chief and represented 38 per cent of the membership.

She said Senator Heng Seai Kie (Wanita MCA secretary-general) and Tan Cheng Liang (Central Committee member) were appointed to the council while she would only be attending meetings upon invitation.

"They (Heng and Tan) were appointed by me but now they are in the presidential council while I cannot play the role expected of a Wanita chief." -- Bernama