The extraordinary general meeting (EGM) scheduled for this Saturday has been called off after three party factions apparently agreed to hold fresh party polls.

NONE Announcing the decision today at the party headquarters, lead requisitionist Wong Nai Chee ( left ) of the ad-hoc MCA Integrity Restoration Taskforce (MIRT) said the EGM was called off since the objective of the event has been met.

Now, the group is expecting the party leadership to postpone the party annual general meeting, slated for Dec 5, to a latter date to incorporate fresh polls into the agenda.

Wong said that a "tripartite consensus" for fresh elections of the MCA central committee has been achieved between president Ong Tee Keat, deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek and vice-president Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the consensus was reached following "intensive efforts" by Barisan Nasional chairperson Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin to resolve the party crisis.

Liow, the leader of the MIRT, said his group had achieved half of its mission and that fresh polls would be announced soon.

"The fresh elections roadmap for the MCA central committee is ready and fresh polls will be called as soon as possible... We are confident that once fresh polls are conducted, MCA will be united and stable," said Liow.

Ong left out?

mca liao faction briefing penang 221109 liow tiong lai Despite repeated quizzing by reporters, Liow refused to reveal whether a date has been set for fresh polls, urging the public to be patient.

"I'll say that the roadmap (for fresh polls will be unveiled) as soon as possible," said Liow ( left ), in reference to the "roadmap" designed by MIRT in which Ong had no involvement.

In a text message reply to Malaysiakini , Ong did not respond to questions on whether he was a party to the "tripartite consensus".

However, Ong did state via text message earlier today that the decision to hold fresh polls lies with the central committee, as stipulated in the party constitution.

Under the party constitution, two-thirds of the central committee must resign in order to force fresh polls. Liow now controls less than a third of the committee.

It is widely speculated in Chinese dailies today that Liow and Chua met Muhyiddin yesterday to create a new unity plan and plan for fresh polls in January. Ong was not present as he was overseas.

EGM turned into briefing

Meanwhile, Wong also announced the EGM on Saturday will now be turned into a briefing for some 1,300 central delegates who have pledged to attend the event.

As arrangements for the EGM venue, as well as delegates' travel and accommodation, have been made, it was decided that the EGM be replaced with a briefing.

The briefing would be held at the Lee San Choon Hall at the MCA headquarters, beginning at 10.30am.

Liow said delegates would be briefed on party problems, the purpose of fresh polls and how it would be performed.

NONE "It is important for party delegates to be better informed about the latest developments of the party," he said.

Liow was flanked by leaders from his camp, including MCA Youth wing chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita wing chief Chew Mei Fun ( right ), who were all smiles during the press conference.

The atmosphere of the event was a stark contrast from the angry statements made by a tearful Wee and Chew just seven days ago as they appealed to party delegates to attend the EGM and push for fresh polls.

[Additional reporting by Kuek Ser Kuang Keng and Wong Teck Chi]

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