Former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng has formally announced his intention to run for president, promising to transform the party into a “first class” political vehicle if he is successful in the upcoming polls due on Oct 18.

chua jui meng announce contest for mca presidency 100908 01 “Only the president’s post can enable me to bring about effective change. Only the president can set the tone and the direction for the party,” he told a press conference today.

The Bakri division chief had surprised political pundits by his maverick decision to join the fray.

Although known to be interested in a top post, Chua was widely expected to make his challenge alongside colleagues such as Chua Soi Lek or Fong Chan Onn - two former cabinet ministers seen as having the support of party supremo Dr Ling Liong Sik, a past president who still wields enormous influence.

Party observers now predict a three-horse race for the president’s post, with either Chua or Fong expected to announce their candidacy soon.

Apart from Chua, transport minister and incumbent vice-president Ong Tee Keat will be running for the presidency.

“I do this not out of disrespect for Ong Tee Keat, whom I hold in good regard, but because the risk is too great for MCA should it not transform itself in the next three years,” Chua said.

Reform or perish

The 64-year old Chua said it was a matter of “life or death” for the MCA to reform, or it will further lose the support of voters.

Plagued by an eroding support base, MCA has found it tough to appeal to the new generation of voters, who have accused it of being too accommodating of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s Umno, at the expense of Chinese rights.

MCA won 15 parliamentary and 32 state seats in the March general election, compared with 31 parliamentary and 76 state seats in 2004.

ong ka ting interview 140408 03 “In 2005, I campaigned for the presidency on the platform of renewal as I knew even then that, without rejuvenating our party’s mindset and spirit, we would lose the confidence of the community,” said Chua, who contested against president Ong Ka Ting (right) in 2005.

“But I didn’t know that the Chinese community could abandon the MCA so fast. Today I ask if MCA is better off compared to three years ago. I also ask if MCA can afford to wait another three years before it decides to change. The answer to both questions is obviously ‘No!’.”

Dressed smartly in a suit, the veteran politician also pledged to use his experience to help the party push for a united, multi-racial Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian race).

“We must change. MCA must have equal status and not act like a second brother to Umno. MCA must be a real first-class political party.

“We must transform our spirit of fear that we will offend Umno brothers and lose our position and privilege if we speak against policies that are obviously detrimental to the unity and development of our nation.

“I have 15 years of experience in government and understand the psyche of the multiracial society. I have nine years of experience in the cabinet and the ability to analyse and put forward ideas succinctly to win them over to our side.”

Among other portfolios, Chua had been health minister.