Chua: Yes, I'm going for No 1

The stage is set for a three-way tussle for the MCA president's post this March 28.

 

This follows former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek ( left )  who, this afternoon, confirmed he will be contesting for the party's top post next week.

Backed by more than 1,000 supporters at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the 61 year-old seasoned politician and former health minister's announcement places him face-to-face against incumbent Ong Tee Keat and former president Ong Ka Ting.

Announcing his candidacy to a packed press conference, Chua said that he has his own strategy towards uniting the party and make the party respected by the people once more.

 

Taking a swipe at Ka Ting, Chua said the party's poor showing at the last general election was a result of Ka Ting's divisive and erroneous choice of candidates.

"This is what I hope to restore once I win and make MCA a respected force once again within BN, to prepare and help the coalition win in the next general election."

"I am confident I can plan out a strategy to reunite the party if I win the president's race. We need a strong and united team, not a messiah," added Chua in reference to Ka Ting.

Despite the losses of MCA candidates in the 2008 polls, however, Chua said the structure and loyalty of the party members remained intact and strong.

Shifting his aim to Tee Keat, Chua said the current party president had sidelined him since winning the 2008 party election, thereby contributing to its current crisis.

Chua promised not to sideline anyone if elected president and not to take action against anybody arbitrarily.

While expressing optimism at his chances of being voted MCA's No 1 due to the strong grassroots support he enjoys, Chua said he nevertheless hopes that MCA delegates would give him a chance.

Not deterred by the past

He also pledged to work with those who win the March 28 central committee elections in order to strengthen and ensure the stability of the MCA.

 

"I hope to unite all factions for the strength and unity of MCA."

Asked about the possibility of his opponents using the sex dvd scandal that led him to step down previously, Chua said he is expecting such dirty tactics to be employed.

 

"However, this would not deter me in strengthening the party, as I understand what the members want.

"I am not immune to mistakes, but I myself would not employ such tactics."

Also present in the announcement was Housing and Local Government Minister and Chua's running mate Kong Cho Ha, as well as former party vice-president Tan Chai Ho.

Chai Ho is expected to mount a challenge to the vice-presidency again.

Nominations for the top party post will be done tomorrow.

Earlier, a colourful and loud reception of cheers and whistles met Chua when he arrived at the hotel about 3.10pm.

About 40 division representatives and 30 division chiefs from Kelantan, Kedah, Johor, Malacca, Selangor and the Federal Territory were present to support Chua's candidacy.

 

Party supporters had gathered at the hotel entrance and packed the ballroom as early as noon today, carrying banners supporting Chua in his bid to be party president.

Wearing yellow, white and blue shirts, they whistled each time Chua's supporters arrived.

 

Some had also carried banners mocking Ka Ting's return to active politics, with one saying: "MCA does not want one man to save the party, we support Dr Chua as he respects the grassroot".

Sacked after winning the deputy presidency, Chua was reinstated by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on Nov 3 following the party's impasse and its emergency general meeting in October.

 

He will now have to make or break to win the party presidency in what is expected to be a tight contest.

Chua said he would submit his nomination form about 2.30pm tomorrow, followed by the announcement of his campaign manifesto on Tuesday.