MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong said decisions made at the party’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) should be respected and accepted as the highest point of authority.

“Had I lost my post at an EGM, even by one vote, I would resign to respect the delegates’ decision,” he told reporters in the Parliament lobby, in a clear reference to party boss Ong Tee Keat’s refusal to accept the vote.

Wee returned yesterday, after leading a delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, soon after the EGM held on Oct 10.

Responding to the 'greater unity plan' hatched by Ong and former deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek during his absence, Wee stressed that the party’s “future and fate” should be determined by the delegates.

NONE “The unity plan - does it not go against what the delegates had voted for? To me, the EGM or AGM (annual general meeting) is the highest body that decides the fate and future of this party. We should abide by (the decisions made), no one is above the EGM or AGM,” he said.

Although he welcomed the unity plan, saying the move is “better late than never”, he kept reiterating that the central committee should abide by the decisions made at the EGM.

“As a party member we would like to see unity in MCA, and many members think that it should have come after the 2008 party election, but better late then never...

“(But it has to be) unity at all levels, not only involving one or two individuals. All party members should not be excluded from this greater peace plan,” said Wee, elaborating that he does not know the details but is looking forward to a meeting to discuss the plan.

azlan At the EGM, Ong lost a vote of confidence as president, while the suspended Chua was reinstated as a member but not as deputy president.

“On Oct 15, at the last central committee meeting, it was decided that - in accordance with Article 30, 40 and 174 - the central committee can decide (who is) to fill the position of the deputy president,” noted Wee.

“And Article 174 says the central committee can interpret the party constitution, which is in accordance with the Societies Act. I think the message is very clear. I don't think you need a scientist to interpret (the provisions) one by one.”

'Ong still my president'

Wee, who took questions on MCA for almost 30 minutes, stressed that his personal opinion as to whether Ong should stay on as the president is not important, as long as this conforms to the constitution.

Asked how long the peace between the leaders will last, Wee avoided a direct answer and resorted to sarcasm.

“Honestly, one very good man to dig out things (that are about) to happen (is) Ti Lian Ker. Apparently he knows a lot things.

He said (that), on the return of Wee Ka Siong and (Wanita head) Chew Mei Fun (from Geneva), (there will be) fireworks... did you see any fireworks today?”

ti lian ker @ zheng lian ke Ti (left) , a central committee member, had blogged that Wee, Chew and new deputy president Liow Tiong Lai are backing the so-called 'third force'.

He also responded to reports in a Chinese daily that he would call for another EGM to settle the current discontentment. Another report claimed that Ong’s supporters are planning to call a Youth EGM to remove Wee.

“Whoever gave that information must be crazy (but I am) not (referring to the) the reporter. I was away for more than a week. (This is) beyond my imagination. I am a party man, I will not do that.

“Whoever (is behind it) is unscrupulous and irresponsible. He or she is out to destroy the party by spreading this rumour. He (Ong) is my president, I am the Youth chief... he is still my leader.”

chew mei fun Chew refrained from commenting on the matter, except to say: “Unity is our priority, with respect to the party's principles... (with regards) to the unity plan, the central committee should decide on that.”