Front-runner for MCA presidency Dr Chua Soi Lek has accused his opponent Ong Ka Ting of lying about grassroots demands for his return to active politics.

Speaking to reporters after his campaign dinner in Klang last night, Chua hints that Ka Ting had instead gone through great lengths to plan a comeback.

ong ka ting and mca 140508 He claimed Ka Ting had personally contacted party division leaders to endorse his return, at the same time, trying to create an illusion that there is a clamour for his return.

He also attacked Ka Ting for attempting to portray himself as the ‘ messiah ’ sent to heal a party torn by months of infighting.

“MCA don’t need a saviour. We need a team that can unite the party,” said Chua.

He anticipates that Ka Ting’s next step is to mobilise support from the Chinese guilds, religious organisations and other NGOs to build momentum for his return.

Chua’s attacks follows Ong’s claim that he was willing to taken on a second ‘tour-of-duty’ to fulfil demands from the Chinese community to mend rifts in the party.

Ka Ting: Chua feels threatened

This was conveyed through an elaborately planned media blitz involving three Chinese dailies - Sin Chew Daily , China Press and Nanyang Siang Pau - owned by Sarawakian media baron Tiong Hiew King.

ong ka ting interviewd media prima 190310 03 Later today, in a live interview with NTV7 and 8TV this afternoon, Ka Ting refuted Chua’s claim that he went through great lengths just to return to power, claiming that the latter was feeling threatened.

"When everything is going in my favour, those who are contesting against me will definitely be worried. I can understand why they say such things."

He also dismissed oft-repeated claims that he had a role in the Oct 10, 2009 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) results which went against both Chua and party president Ong Tee Keat, plunging the party further into crisis.

Ka Ting also hinted that he did not wish to contest against his successor - Tee Keat - and tacitly urged the latter to drop out of the race.

“But the ball is not on my court,” he said.

Chua is expected to formally announce his candidacy this Sunday, making it a three-corner fight.