Never before in its 60-year history has the MCA faced a political crisis as divisive as that which split the party at its Oct 10 extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

Rather than end the tussle for control , it has removed the battle from the grassroots to the powerful central committee (CC).

NONE President Ong Tee Keat (right) has since sufficiently patched up his differences with one-time deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek to call a truce through their Greater Unity Plan.

But rumbles continue up and down the party ranks, with a faction of the CC - led by Liow Tiong Lai - prepared to turn to another EGM on Nov 28 for a final resolution.

Malaysiakini spoke to EGM requisitionist and CC member Wong Nai Chee, 40, on problems that have plagued the party in recent times.

A lawyer by training, Wong is best known for wresting the Kota Melaka parliamentary seat in 2004 from DAP's grasp by defeating veteran Kerk Kim Hock. He is also seen as an up and coming MCA leader, having joined the party 11 years ago.

An edited version of the interview follows.

Malaysiakini : Please comment on Ong's action on going behind CC's back to get the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to clarify the issue on the vacant deputy presidency's position.

NONE Wong Nai Chee : The president wrote directly to the ROS to seek clarification. We (in the CC) did not agree with this as we found (that, under Article 174 of) the MCA Constitution, it is for the CC to decide on the vacancy.

We are not happy (because) it seems the resolutions made at the Oct 10 EGM have been disregarded.

The president has created a dangerous precedent, meaning that in the near future, MCA leaders can pick and choose (what to do). They will implement resolutions made in their favour, and ignore resolutions that are not in their favour.

Is Ong's move seen to be democratic?

I do not think it is right in principle, as far as democracy is concerned. When you talk about democracy in a party, we have to practice what we preach. If we do not implement basic democratic principles and values, I do not think we can convince the people (to support us) in the next general election. It is about principle, not about who should become president.

We think it is a matter of trying to put MCA on the right path at a time when it is deviating from democratic principles. We think it is a big principle and something that must be done. If we don't do it now ....we don't think we will be able to help MCA, to put MCA on the right path again.

What is the name of the committee that is calling for a new EGM?

It's called MRIT - MCA Restoring Integrity Task force. We use ‘integrity' because we feel that the party's integrity has been lost through the actions and words of the leaders. Apparently, they are not fulfilling the promises they made earlier.

What is your view of the pledge by Ong and Dr Chua Soi Lek that fresh polls will be considered after six months?

There are two things (to consider) if party elections are to be held in six months. The first involves the time frame and the second, the mode of elections.

NONE Let's take the first. We are saying that the party has lost its credibility and integrity. Do you think we should wait six months before restoring this? We are saying credibility has been lost in the eyes of the Chinese (Malaysian) community, the general public and voters as well.

The issue is not one of six months or six weeks. We are thinking there must be an immediate resolution to this issue. We need to restore order and to retain the confidence of the people in MCA.

On the second issue, we are not arguing over the mode of elections...We should not lose our focus, it is a matter of necessity to hold fresh elections now, to restore order, credibility and integrity.

Do you accept that the six-month period would stabilize the party?

I do not see how long we can prolong this (situation). Are you saying we should wait six months before we can restore order and credibility of the MCA? We do not think so.

What do you think of Chua's announcement that the party will issue a letter to delegates not to attend your EGM as it is null and invalid?

It is their privilege and they can do whatever they please. They are trying to find ways and means to avoid fresh elections. They are saying, they command 96 percent support (of the membership) between them. I think this is a disastrous way of calculating...I do not think that is right. The EGM on the Nov 28 has validity as (the process) was based on the party constitution.

It is said that MCA will not allow the use of the Dewan San Choon (in the MCA headquarters) for the EGM. Is this ungentlemanly of them?

Yes, I would think so. Initially when we went over there (Wisma MCA), we did a search on the date and they (confirmed that no activities had been scheduled for the day). We paid the deposit to Wisma MCA Sdn Bhd, and it was accepted.

Now if they talk about different things. We need to come up with a different plan. We should not, however, lose our focus in seeking fresh elections as soon as possible after the new EGM.

Assuming that the resolutions are passed, we will have fresh elections within 30 days. They are trying very hard to find ways and means to create obstacles for us.

But I do not think the the grassroots will be persuaded by that. We went around the country and there are plenty of people - including party veterans - who feel that there has been injustice done to the party. They understand and support our actions.

Tomorrow : Should BN's top two intervene in the crisis?