A small breakthrough has emerged in the MCA crisis, with the quarrelling factions at least agreeing to fresh polls being held, even if they cannot decide on when this should be held.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting today, deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek said he agrees with vice-president Liow Tiong Lai's call to conduct the party elections as soon as possible.

However, holding the polls in December or January - as Liow wants - will not be feasible, he said.

NONE "We need to submit a notice to call for fresh polls at least 21 days prior to the date, and (set aside) another seven days to submit nominations," Chua said, in explaining why the exercise cannot be held alongside the annual general meeting (AGM) on Dec 5.

He anticipates that the earliest possible date will be in March, to ensure that the largest number of delegates can attend.

"Many people go on holiday in December, including party delegates and leaders. January is also a busy time as many will be occupied with the beginning of the school year, while the Chinese New Year will fall in February."

However, he noted that MCA president Ong Tee Keat would prefer the polls to be held in six to eight months' time, especially if the approximately 1 million members are to have an opportunity to vote.

The polls will involve about 30,000 members, if open only to those who can vote for division leaders. This is higher than the 2,400 members who can vote on the central party leadership.

"By expanding (the number of delegates who can vote), the polls will reflect the opinions of the grassroots," said Chua.

This option remains under review to ensure that it meets the requirement of the party constitution, he said, also suggesting that no amendments be made to posts until the polls take place.

"We cannot keep changing positions... so I am suggesting that status quo (be observed) to allay the fear that people will be dropped from their posts. Those who aspire to higher positions must learn to be patient...it is only three months (away)," he said.

Asked when the final decision will be made on the polls, he said he does not know but that all communications will be between Ong and Barisan Nasional deputy chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin.

‘EGM will be held'

Chua also suggested that Liow calls off the EGM scheduled for Saturday to show his commitment to solving the crisis.

"(Liow must do so) to appreciate the efforts made by the prime minister and his deputy in trying to solve the MCA crisis," he said.

NONE However, central committee member Wong Nai Chee - and one of those who has requisitioned the EGM - later told reporters that it is all systems go for the meeting.

"We feel that it is important to give the delegates certainty because it is still unclear what our leaders will decide. Until we get a definite date, we are not in a position to call off the EGM," he said.

To prove that there is no turning back, hotlines have been set up for delegates to arrange their lodging, while flight tickets have been booked for delegates from Terengganu, Sabah and Kelantan, and a chartered accountancy firm has been engaged to audit the vote.

Wong also said there can be no compromise on the date for fresh polls as December is still considered the most suitable month.

"We are looking to make it convenient for the delegates so they don't have to travel twice," he said.

He added that December is also deemed timely as it will allow MCA to make "a fresh start" before the new year.

Last night, Muhyiddin held a meeting with Chua and Liow, to mediate in the year-old party squabble. Ong was absent as he is on an official visit abroad.

Muhyiddin, who is also the deputy premier, is expected to hold another meeting with the three factions on Ong's return.

Elections only for parent body

Meanwhile, in another development, Liow said the party's fresh elections should not include its Youth and Women's wings.

"The problem arose from the recent emergency general meeting and concerns only the parent body," he told a press conference today.

He said the party's central committee was unable to resolve the impasse, hence the reason to call for fresh elections for the central committee.

"The Youth and Wanita wings are not a problem at all. We seek fresh elections for the central committee," said Liow.

Liow was asked to comment on a Chinese daily report that the grassroots requested elections for the party's wings as well.

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