Beleaguered MCA president Ong Tee Keat today expressed deep sorrow over the “soured friendship” between him and his comrades following the leadership crisis which has battered the party.

Speaking to reporters after officiating a new building of the Foo Association in Kuala Lumpur, he declared his disappointment that the friendship he had enjoyed with top party leaders had now been affected by personal political interests.

"This is what saddens me the most because we, especially my comrades, should value our friendship rather than worsening it when one is facing a major test in life," he lamented.

mca supporter gather for ong tee keat 151009 ong shake hands 03 Although he did not specifically named the individuals he was referring to, it is clear he was talking about Liow Tiong Lai - his once loyal vice-president and now deputy president.

When pressed by journalists whether he was referring to his former stalwart, he replied: "I don't think we should make any reference. That is not nice. ... because this involves feelings...

“I don't want to say anything that might get me into trouble. When you asked me (about the betrayal), I know I had to be truthful and this is how I feel - and this is exactly what I wrote in my diary," he said.

At a CC meeting two days ago, about 20 of the 42 committee members - all of whom were supporters of the president - had signed a letter to demand that Ong quit his post in the wake of the party boss’ failure to win a no-confidence vote at the Oct 10 extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

liow tiong lai pc 151009 02 It is learnt that Liow had gathered the CC members, including secretary-general Wong Foong Meng, a night before the crucial meeting to plot Ong's ouster.

However, in a move which aggravated the crisis, Ong had refused to step down and instead invoked his presidential powers to call for another EGM to decide whether fresh leadership polls be held.

There shall not be any hatred

Ong initially refused to talk about the party’s crisis as today’s function was a non-political event.

“But it is good enough for me to say that I’m touched by all the attention I’m getting regarding my political career,” he quipped.

Ong revealed that he was constantly asked by his friends about his feelings over the dramatic turn of events in the embattled party.

“All I could tell them was, whatever happens in politics, we shall never express any hatred,” he said.

Ong also refused to comment on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s statement yesterday, who told MCA leaders to resolve their problem "not only legally, but also morally and politically".

“Just check my blog for my response on the PM’s statement” was all that Ong said.

In a blog posting late this afternoon, Ong defended his stand and argued that his call for a new EGM was the "politically and morally correct way" of solving the leadership problems.

"The general assembly is the supreme voice of the party. All top political leaders are elected by their respective general assemblies. This is not something exclusive to MCA.

"To me, it is morally wrong and irresponsible to leave the party in a state of utter disarray. This is especially so when the Oct 10 EGM produced an inconclusive verdict."

Wrong to hijack EGM decision

Apparently referring to Liow and other top party leaders, he said it was “morally wrong to hijack the original intention of the EGM just so certain quarters can get shortcuts to political elevations in their careers.”

“The party needs leaders with a mandate from the general assembly to win back public support in time for the next general election.”

He again expressing his bitterness over the betrayal from those close to him, whom he did not name.

“It is also immoral for certain people to say that they want to do certain things, but when it comes to the crunch, they never did.

“Those who know me long enough understands that I've always been guided by morality and doing things that are correct politically. I assure these people that I have not changed.”

Yesterday Najib, who is also BN chairperson, said MCA would be hard pressed to win the support of the Chinese community if the troubled party is unable to resolve its crisis soon.