MCA president Ong Tee Keat, claiming the party leadership needed an 'management reshuffle' removed its legal bureau chief Leong Tang Chong today.

Ong confirmed Leong's removal from his position when contacted by Malaysiakini but he didn't disclose who is his replacement will be.

However, in a posting on his blog, Ong said potential candidates have been shortlisted and that he would be announcing Leong's replacement in due course.

leong tang chong He denied that Leong's ( left) removal was related to the recent party power struggle. He said matter was decided some time ago but was too busy to announce it, until today.

When asked on the reasons for Leong's removal, Ong said that it was purely an administrative matter, and there was no need for an open explanation.

He paid tribute and thanked Leong for his dedication to the party.

"Leong was instrumental in proposing amendments or repeals to several major Acts of Parliament like the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act; Law Reform Bill and the Internal Security Act.

"He has brought a huge wealth of legal research to the bureau and many a times has given invaluable legal advice to the central committee," said Ong.

More leaders likely to be sacked

He added that 'management reshuffle' was still going on but refused to be drawn in to reveal the positions and persons affected.

"There's is no such thing as a big or small shuffle. If things need to be done, it will be done. It should have been done earlier, but there was no time, but now we are doing it."

When contacted, Leong refused to comment. He just kept saying: "Don't ask me, don't ask me, any questions, go and ask Ong Tee Keat."

More party leaders are likely to be sacked, including National Organising Secretary Yoo Wei How (an appointed central committee member), and vice secretary Gan Hong Su.

It is believed that this may be the beginning of the embattled president hitting back at those whom he felt ‘betrayed' him at the Oct 10 EGM and subsequently at the CC meeting.

The EGM passed a no-confident motion against Ong, and at CC meeting, several from his own camp were said to have pressured him to step down.

Sec-gen to arrange for meeting

NONE Meanwhile party secretary-general Wong Foon Meng said today he hoped the party's president Ong and his deputy Liow would meet and find ways to solve the leadership crisis in MCA within the next few days.

"We are trying to arrange for a meeting as soon as possible. As far as my priorities are concerned, I would like to arrange for a discussion," he told reporters at Parliament lobby.

Wong, who is also Dewan Negara president, said the meeting would not include removed deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek.

"At this stage, it (meeting) will be between the president and deputy president only. Let the president and deputy president discuss first so as to find a formula.

"Both sides have approached each other and it has been very cordial we hope that we will find a solution...hope to get to be resolved in the next few days," he said.