The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) election last Saturday saw its president Lim Guan Teik returned unopposed to the post for a third term when the sole challenger withdrew just before balloting started.

The new line-up of the organisation's national council also did not witness a drastic change of faces, though some members were elected into higher posts vacated by those who chose not to defend them.

After being declared as the winner, Lim told the press that he was "happy with the unity" within ACCCIM, the umbrella group to over 24,000 Chinese companies, individuals and trade associations across the country.

He also urged all members to work hard together in organising the 7th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Malaysia next year.

According to observers, the poll results had indicated more than just the popularity of Lim within the influential Chinese business organisation.

Lim's sole challenger Wee Kok Tiong, 40, and a first-term senator from Sarawak was seen as the front man "planted" by several businessmen close to certain MCA top leaders as part of their plan to take over the helm of ACCCIM.

Lim is the president of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; whereas Wee is the president of Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak.

Kok Tiong's late father, Wee Boon Ping, was a long-time ACCCIM president.

Oppose Nanyang take-over

Lim had last year openly opposed the party's takeover of Nanyang Press Holdings, publisher of two Chinese dailies, and even led a consortium to propose a buy-over of all Nanyang shares held by MCA's investment arm Huaren Management.

The proposal fell through when Lim's consortium was instead only offered 20 percent of Nanyang shares.

Over the past week, Chinese dailies had highlighted the presence of a "reform faction" within ACCCIM who wanted to replace Lim with Wee as they felt their candidate could do a better job in "strengthening ties with the government".

One daily had speculated then that of the 17 ACCCIM constituent members who each had one vote at the presidential election, eight supported Lim while six backed Wee, leaving three fence-sitters.

However, only four seconded Wee while 11 seconded Lim when nomination closed on Saturday. Subsequently, Wee withdrew from the contest.

Interestingly, two businessmen who were seen as close to MCA and had openly supported Wee in his bid for the president's post, were defeated in their contest for the vice-presidency.

They are Low Nam Hui and Choot Ewe Seng, chairmen of Johor Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce respectively.

One council member said the defeat had sent out a message that ACCCIM would want to maintain its political neutrality and "not be controlled by any parties".

List of new office bearers

The results of the ACCCIM national council election are as follows::

President:

Lim Guan Teik (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor)

Group chairman/managing director, Muda Holdings Bhd

Manufacture of paper-related products

Deputy president:

Goh Chor Jim (Perak)

Chairman/managing director, Hup Lee Furniture Manufacturers Sdn Bhd

Manufacture of furniture

Vice-presidents:

Tan Huat Seng (Kedah)

Chairman, Merge Energy Bhd

Contractor, civil engineering, and property investment

Tan Kim Chong (Negeri Sembilan)

Managing director, Tan Kang Hai Holdings Sdn Bhd

Transport, insurance, and trading

Low Kian Chuan (Terengganu)

Executive chairman, Low Fatt Wood Industries Sdn Bhd

Manufacture and export of wood-based products

Luah Seng Leong (Kluang)

Proprietor, Luah and Co

Accounting and secretarial services

Yang Chien Chu (Malacca)

Chairman, Malacca Tong Bee Sdn Bhd

Oil palm and rubber plantations

Lam Kam Sang (Pahang)

Director, Perkayuan Seng Liang Sdn Bhd

Logging and sawmill