Although the main focus in the MCA election this Sunday is the three-cornered contest for the party president post, members are also anxious to see the outcome of the biggest gamble - for

the deputy president post.

They are mindful that both candidates, former vice-president Kong Cho Ha and Liow Tiong Lai have something to lose if they fail in their bid.

This is because both hold ministerial positions, with Kong as housing and local government Minister and Liow, the health minister.

NONE The stake is very high if they lose as pointed out by former party secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh.

"Down there, other party leaders are waiting to sit in their chair (as ministers) because at least one ministerial position will be vacant. Whatever happens, one of them has to go," he said.

A similar situation happened to former party secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan when he lost in the four-cornered contest for the deputy president post in the 2008 party election, which was won by former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek.

"Because he lost, in the following cabinet reshuffle after Najib (Tun Razak) took over as prime minister, Ka Chuan was replaced by Kong (Cho Ha). The same thing can happen this time around," he said.

However, Ting said, this also applied to incumbent president Ong Tee Keat if he fails to defend his post this Sunday. (Tee Keat is currently the transport minister).

"Dr Chua and (Ong) Ka Ting do not hold any ministerial position. They've got nothing to lose in terms of government position," he added.

However, when Kong and Liow were asked about this, both said it did not bother them.

“I am not worried about ending up losing my ministerial post. I've never thought about it or considered it. The minister's position is the prerogative of the prime minister," Kong said.

    

In fact, Kong said, his decision to contest the post was prompted by events surrounding the 61-year-old party for the past one-and-a-half years, which were marred by internal bickering.

Liow too claimed that he was never worried about his ministerial position when he decided to go for the deputy president post.

Instead, Liow and Kong are busy campaigning - outlining their mission if they win the race - with Kong saying that he would work with the party president to reunite the party.

"What the party needs most now is unity. After the crisis for the past 18 months, the objective of this election is to achieve unity and move forward in facing the next general election," he said.

‘Cooperation not alliance’ with Soi Lek

Kong's supporters said his attitude of not getting himself involved in factionalism and being non-confrontational, as well as believing in the principle of making peace with everyone was his biggest selling point.

"That's why he was elected vice-president with the highest number of votes in the last party election. Moreover, Kong can work with anybody and he is not a political threat to anybody. He can play his role well as number two, without others worrying he will overshadow his master," said a divisional delegate from Perak.

Kong also explained that his relationship with presidential candidate Soi Lek was only of "cooperation" and not "alliance," as claimed by some people.

The well-mannered Liow, on the other hand, said he knew how to be a team player and to respect team spirit, as well as the unwritten rule of "knowing how to be a second fiddle".

If elected, Liow said, he would fully cooperate with the party president to unite MCA and restore stability in the party as soon as possible in order to prepare the party for the next general election.

"Whatever the results, my focus is still the will of the delegates. Therefore, I would like to appeal to them to give the party a strong team so that we can recover as quickly as possible," he said.

Liow's supporters said many divisions had passed a resolution to support him to contest the deputy president post as he only made the decision after obtaining feedback from the grassroots.

"For example, it was a unanimous decision by our division to support him to contest the deputy president post as we believe he is a good leader to take over the party leadership in the future," said Padang Besar division chief Loh Yuen Foo.

Loh said many party members wanted to see Liow elected as party deputy president and Ka Ting as president as this would provide the much-needed stability.

However, Liow clarified there was no pact between him and Ka Ting as it was merely "a working relationship" based on sharing the same ideology.

- Bernama