MCA vice-president Liow Tiong Lai has described the MCA Greater Unity Plan briefing today as being disrespectful of the party's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) decisions.

Liow said he could not attend the briefing given by MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek as he was tied up with an official duty and that of an elected representative.

"I had lined up many official programmes in my constituency. Furthermore the briefing is given by Dr Chua Soi Lek, whose position as deputy president is being question," he said.

NONE Liow, who is health minister, was speaking to reporters after launching a state-level campaign to encourage pupils to wear helmets when riding pillion at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sulaiman in Bentong today.

"The delegates had voted against him (Chua) from being reinstated as deputy president and he should respect it. The EGM (in October) also gave a vote of no confidence against Ong Tee Keat as president.

"We do not want the EGM to be ridiculed and twisted, and the democracy in MCA to be manipulated.

"We want our leaders to respect the EGM because it is the salient views of party members, who are witnessing the MCA conflict that resulted from an act of disrespect of the EGM decisions by two leaders," he added.

He said what was important to him was to ensure that party activities adhered to the party's constitution and principles in an effort to restore the confidence of members and the society.

Liow said he was merely carrying out his duty to advise party leaders to do the right thing in carrying out their duties.

Doesn't reflect ground feeling

At a later function in Kuantan, Liow said the dialogue also did not reflect the views of the grassroots.

He said the decision was made by some leaders only and not by all the delegates.

Liow claimed that from his meetings with MCA divisional leaders nationwide, there was a strong call from the delegates for the second EGM be convened to allow new party elections.

"We have good support on the ground and we understand that it is a duty and responsibility of the delegates to decide and resolve the party crisis," he told reporters after meeting with six Pahang MCA divisions today.

He added that the EGM would go on as planned and that it was legal under the law and party constitution.

"Through another party election, we will be able to restore the party's honour and integrity."

Asked whether his action of holding a meeting with the division leaders today would kill his political career, Liow said he was only carrying out his duty as a party leader.

"I'm just getting the delegates to come out and say their views. We are not out to topple anyone, so why the worry?" he said.

- Bernama