MCA incumbent president Ong Tee Keat, widely regarded as the underdog in the three-corner race for MCA presidency, believes that he is catching up with his two challengers.

 

"According to the information given by grassroot, the words they are using is that 'I'm catching up'," said Tee Keat.

NONE Tee Keat said this today when asked about his chances of retaining his post, after launching his manifesto at the party headquarters.

He also rubbished rumours that he will withdraw from the polls at the eleventh hour to back either Dr Chua Soi Lek or Ong Ka Ting as president.

He added that there will be no secret pacts with his two rivals in his bid to defend the president's post.

"Me and my team are still loyal to reform and we will fight till the last breath. Not only will we persevere, our faith will grow stronger," said Tee Keat, who was oozing with confidence. 

Tee Keat also denied that he had been offered posts by his opponents and described these as dirty tricks to fish for votes.

"All these show that the others in the running for the president's post are not confident of their chances of winning. I can assure you that it will be a fight to the finish."

Tee Keat's election statement titled “MCA party transformation plan”, borrows heavily from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s Government Transformation Programme.

Immitating Najib's GTP

Other than pledging to widen the voter base for future party elections, Ong pledged to work on five 'party key results areas':

1. Assisting the needy through 1Malaysia Community Alliance (1MCA) Foundation;

2. Engaging and championing the interest of community stakeholders via '1MCA NGO Consultative Council';

3. Integrity, transparency and good governance;

4. Direct presidential elections;

5. Preparing the Party machinery for 13th General Elections & membership drive;

Other than the manifesto, Tee Keat officially unveiled his 'team', which consist of three vice-president candidates and central committee candidates.

The three vice-president aspirants are Yap Pian Hon, Gan Ping Sieu and Loke Yuen Yow.

Say no to 'recycled goods'

In another development, former party secretary-general Ting Chew Peh today called on delegates to reject "recycled politicians", in a veiled reference to Tee Keat's opponent and former president Ong Ka Ting.

"Recycling is only good for protecting the environment. Its bad for nurturing human resources. I work in the (relevant) ministry before. So I know!" said Ting, who was once housing and local government minister.

At a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Ting said Ka Ting's return to the party's growth will become "retarded".

"This is also an insult to the current leadership. He is talking as if only he can save the party."

However, Ting refused to comment when asked whether Tee Keat or Chua should withdraw to combine their forces against Ka Ting.

"The delegates have wisdom. Let them decide," he said.

He stressed that all three candidates can lead MCA except the "recycled politician".