The problem-riddled MCA would witness another extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Nov 28, in order to allow central delegates to decide on whether fresh polls is necessary to resolve the internal crisis.

The date was announced by the three central committee (CC) members who had made a requisition for the meeting.

NONE The trio, led by lawyer Wong Nai Chee, are aligned to Liow Tiong Lai, who was forced to vacate the deputy presidency after only 19 days when the Registrar of Societies (ROS) ruled that Dr Chua Soi Lek was the rightful No 2.

The crisis-plagued party, the second largest in Barisan Nasional, held its first EGM on Oct 10.

Speaking at a press conference at the MCA headquarters, the three CC members said the EGM would be funded by donations and an action committee would be set up to look into this.

Asked what if the rival faction - led by president Ong Tee Keat - refused to recognise the outcome of the EGM, Wong said this would not deter them.

"If they are not satisfied, let them challenge us," he said, adding that there is a possibility the matter could be brought to court.

Where has our dignity gone?

Commenting on the possibility of fresh polls, Wong said they would abide by the results of the contest.

"Central delegates would re-evaluate the performance of the party leadership including all the CC members in the past one year.

"Even if the future president wins by only one vote, we would abide by it. Because we think that only fresh polls could revive the party's credibility," he added.

NONE Wong also lambasted the rival faction for not abiding by the decision of the previous EGM.

"EGM is the party's highest decision making body but its decision was not respected. Where has our party's dignity gone?" he asked.

Asked if the second EGM would jeopardise the party's image, Wong said the current leadership had caused the party to lose its moral ground, and therefore a fresh elections is needed.

No need to seek PM's permission

Meanwhile, Wong said they would not seek a green light from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as this was an internal party matter.

The two resolutions for the second EGM are:

  • Dissolve the CC and hold a fresh elections to seek a new mandate within 30 days.
  • Any changes to party positions, inlcuding new appointments or sackings, after Oct 10 EGM be considered null and void.

Over the past year, MCA has witnessed a series of upheavals due to the infighting, which led to Chua being sacked in August after locking horns with the president.

During that episode, Liow was a close ally of Ong.

However, the duo had a fallout after delegates who attended the first EGM backed a no-confidence motion against the president.

Ong later accused Liow of being a traitor when he led 20 CC members to ink a memorandum urging the president to step down.

Following this, Ong and Chua agreed to a 'greater unity plan', which turned the table on Liow and his supporters.

Liow, who is also health minister, is backed by Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun.