MCA has resolved to reverse a ruling that bars its members from being appointed to government positions, including the federal cabinet.
 
The decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) initiated by Perak MCA chief Mah Hang Soon, Selangor secretary Ng Chok Sin and Pulai division chairperson Chia Song Cheng, who cited feedback received from grassroots members, Chinese guilds and associations, and the Chinese community nationwide.
 
Central delegates voted almost unanimously, with only five objections and four abstentions out of 1,982 delegates who showed up for the event.

Although, some 400 delegates had walked out while counting was still taking place, after failing to garner the support needed to hold a secret ballot.

 

Previously, the party had affirmed through several annual general meeting (AGM) and EGM to forgo any government position should the party fail to win more seats during the 13th general election.

 

The last of these was an EGM held just four months ago, where delegates had voted that the party should take up state and local council positions, but not cabinet positions.

Liow coy on details

However, newly-elected party president Liow Tiong Lai had always made it clear that he does not support the policy, which was advocated by his predecessor Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Meanwhile at a press conference later, Liow was coy when asked when would MCA rejoin the cabinet, and when would he meet Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on the issue.

Instead, Liow ( left ) reiterated that MCA is in no hurry to rejoin the cabinet, and has other unfinished business to deal with first.

“We have a by-election coming, and we also have a lot of Chinese issues to resolve. The public issues, the community issues, all these will be discussed and we will come to it when we cross that bridge,” he said.

To a question on why a longstanding decision reaffirmed just four months ago is being overturned, Liow said the decision of whether to accept or abstain from government positions was an important one that is constantly reviewed, which took place today.