In the heat of any campaign by political parties, gossip and rumour can become stubborn stains. Neither a tooth nor ‘truth’ brush can easily remove them.

mahathir heart institute ijn 160507 ena ling Hence, it is not surprising that Ena Ling ( right ), wife of former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik , has found it necessary to openly refute claims that he is involved in the party’s ongoing election campaign.

"It is not true - as widely reported in news and political analyses - that Tun (Ling) is involved in the MCA elections. He is neither directly nor indirectly involved in the campaign," she said when contacted yesterday evening.

"Tun (Ling) has retired and it is not fair to drag him (or his name) into the electioneering activities. (The) innuendo and gossip, with some (political commentaries) even suggesting he is either the mastermind or the leader of the pack, are very unfair.

ling liong sik "Some of his close friends from the party have even called me, telling me that labels like ‘whisky team’ and ‘puer tea’ (team) are rather tasteless and unnecessary."

Ling ( left ) himself had denied any direct or indirect involvement during an interview with Malaysiakini more than a month ago. He maintained it was normal for him to meet former supporters on a social basis and for rounds of golf.

ong ka ting interview 140408 06 The ‘whisky team’ label was coined in association with Ling’s favourite tipple as well as his sociable personality and English-educated background. The ‘puer tea’ team aptly describes current party president Ong Ka Ting’s (left) conservative Chinese-educated background.

Commentators said the ‘whisky team’ as having suffered setbacks in several state-held Youth and Wanita polls over the weekend. The most high-profile casualty was Ling’s son, Hee Leong, who failed to capture the post of Perak Youth chief.

Hee Leong only obtained 184 votes against Chenderiang assemblyman Dr Mah Hang Soon, who won with 366 votes. Speculation is that Mah had the politically backing of Ong Ka Chuan, who is national steering committee chairperson for party elections.

‘Master’ not happy

Talk has been rife that Ling has been discreetly backing Dr Chua Soi Lek, Donald Lim Siang Chai and Dr Fong Chan Onn as part of the ‘whisky team’.

ong tee keat interview 210708 04 Ka Ting’s team is said to comprise his brother Ka Chuan, Ong Tee Keat (right) and Chew Mei Fun among others.

The national party polls on Oct 18 will determine the leadership tussle.

Since then, news commentaries and reports have been feverishly dissecting the efforts of the rival teams at branch, division and state levels.

A party veteran who declined to be named said many members of the public are unaware that Ka Ting has long fallen out of favour with Ling, despite their previous ‘master-disciple’ relationship.

Ling had, through his succession plan prior to retirement in 2003, selectively propped up Ka Ting despite his junior status compared to seniors in the leadership line-up.