Contest fears in MCA come true
updated version
The scenario much feared by the MCA leadership neared reality when many divisional members filed nomination papers today to challenge incumbent leaders, paving the way for contests at the forthcoming elections.As of 8pm this evening when the nomination closed, at least 30 divisions will slug it out for various posts, particularly central delegates.
It is learnt that chairmen of at least 14 divisions had been challenged, namely Kapar and Petaling Jaya Utara in Selangor; Muar, Segamat, and Kota Tinggi in Johor; Tanjung, Bukit Bendera and Bukit Mertajam in Penang; Gopeng in Perak; Pokok Sena and Alor Setar in Kedah; Bukit Bintang and Cheras in Kuala Lumpur; and Rasah in Negeri Sembilan.
The most vigorous contest is expected in Johor and Selangor, of which party president Dr Ling Liong Sik is also the state chairperson.
The 166 divisions started the nomination process at four this afternoon, and it ended at 8pm. The contestants will subsequently go for divisional polls scheduled for May 14 and 15.
No-contest ruling
In many of the divisions which have decided to abide by the no-contest ruling, the two feuding factions — Team A and Team B — had agreed on the number of delegates allocated for each side.
MCA now has 2,384 delegates based on the 1999 figure of some 850,000 members. However, the number will swell to 2,667 with the recent recruitment drive. These delegates will also be chosen at the divisional election next week.
The overwhelming defiance of the no-contest ruling seemed to be far exceeding the expectation of the party top echelon.
Earlier this afternoon, MCA chief Ling who is heading the committee said over 90 percent of the divisions in many states have consented to the no-contest ruling proposed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and adopted by the party leadership.
"But we will continue to work with the state chairmen and other leaders concerned. We shall have a clearer picture [of what is it like on the ground] later tonight," he told a press conference after chairing a two-hour special committee meeting at the party headquarters.
Different circumstances
Asked what was the main problem in these divisions, Ling replied that "there were different circumstances with different issues".
"Some don't like their divisional chairman, some don't like their divisional deputy chairman, and therefore they want to see the leaders go," he explained.
He added that the party had decided that incumbent leaders have every right to remain in their posts unless there are those who want to leave.
"The status quo prevails unless they are willing to compromise, with willing buyers and willing sellers," Ling said.
The special mediation committee comprising nine top party leaders which was set up last week for this possible scenario is likely to meet over the weekend to resolve problems in the divisions concerned.
Following a long drawn party feud, Mahathir stepped in last month with the proposed peace formula, the highlight of which was the no-contest ruling.
Action against errant divisions
A party source said the MCA leadership, having exhausted all possible means of negotiation and mediation, may take stern action against errant divisions, including striking out the nomination papers by challengers automatically.
However, those who are adamant about contesting, are not bothered at all by threats of any disciplinary action.
An example is the case of Kapar Youth chief Khoh Siew Kim who remained adamant about contesting against division chief Tee Thiong Hock, a former senator.
Khoh was quoted in a local daily as saying that "I don't see how anyone can punish us if we do not comply with the instruction".
Under what part of the party constitution can action be taken against us (those who defy the status quo ruling), he asked.
It thus seems that those who dare to go against the party's ruling are prepared to stake their political future in the forthcoming divisional polls. To this group, it is a "do-or-die" battle.
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