The MCA 'third force' wants the new leadership to form a fresh veterans' consultative council and suggested that embattled president Ong Tee Keat and his rival Dr Chua Soi Lek be its pioneer members.

NONE Its spokesperson Tan Kah Choun said this will allow the bitter rivals to share their experience and expertise for the benefit of the party and nation.

He also expressed gratitude to the delegates who out-voted Ong and rejected Chua’s reinstatement as number two during Saturday’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

"This is the best decision for MCA. From now on MCA will enter into team/group leadership that we have been cherishing for many decades.

"The MCA leadership must now respect all the grassroots leaders as well as the community at large," he said in a statement.

Tan also pointed out that since the delegates have expressed no confidence in Ong's leadership, the MCA president must resign immediately.

The party secretary-general, treasurer-general, organising secretary and the appointed central committee members must also resign, he added.

"We hope that all Barisan Nasional leaders and all those who support the democratic process will ensure that the president’s resignation is fulfilled," he said.

As for the new leadership, Tan said the next president and deputy must be chosen from MCA's four vice-presidents by the elected central committee members via secret ballots.

Online petition for Ong

Meanwhile, as the pressure mounts on Ong to step down, an online petition has been initiated to express support for him.

NONE Apart from stating that the petition is by 'Malaysians Against Corruption', the webpage provided no other details as to who is behind it.

However, at the bottom of the page it was stated that the petition is 'supported' by the exporters club.

On the eve of the EGM, the exporters club had run a series of advertisements in Chinese newspapers as well as the MCA-owned Star expressing support for the MCA president.

The online petition reads: “I want to be represented by politicians who are committed to eliminating corruption in government and society. I believe that Ong has proven his commitment to this objective and he is the right person to lead MCA.”

As at 5.20pm, 264 'MCA members' and 1,472 'non-members' had signed the petition.

Speculations are rife that Ong, who is on a four-day leave, will submit his resignation during the next central committee meeting on Thursday.