Three former MCA central committee members, aligned to MCA presidential candidate Ong Ka Ting, today claimed that the party was facing its most rampant round of vote-buying.

Wong Nai Chee said complaints have been received from delegates across the country, alleging that candidates for top party posts, through their agents, were offering cash to secure votes.

“We never heard about money politics issue from Tan Cheng Lock’s time till now. This is the first time I heard about it,” another former central committee Wong Mook Leong said.

mca money politics allegation 260310 03 Though unable to furnish any proof of his allegation, Nai Chee ( seated middle ) told a press conference that a cellphone text message from a delegate which alleged he was offered RM5,000.

Nai Chee said that they started receiving complaints about the bribes a few days after the nomination process on Monday, and as the week progressed, more allegations surfaced.

If the claim is true, the RM5,000 per vote offer would add up to a whopping sum of RM12 million as there are a total of 2,400 MCA delegates.

Nai Chee also said he has discussed this matter with secretary-general, Wong Foon Meng earlier.

“We’ll ensure that this (trend) is kept in check and we are prepared to help secretary-general,” Nai Chee said.

He urged those who were offered bribes to lodge an official complaint to the party headquarters, bearing the time and venue of the incident. He adds that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has also been notified of the matter.

Chua's camp deny bribery charge

In a related development, MCA presidential aspirant Dr Chua Soi Lek's supporters today lodged a police report against an anonymous blog for claiming that they were involved in alleged 'money politics'.

The five complainants, all central committee candidates, were Tee Siew Kiong, Teoh Sew Hock, Loh Seng Kok, Tan Chai Ho and Theng Book.

Tan said another 10 individuals were named on the blog, but they will lodge a police report in their respective areas.

All 15 named by the blog are openly Chua's supporters. Nine of them are standing as candidates for the party polls this Sunday.

The blog titled MCA Anti-Corruption claimed that the 15 individuals were guilty of distributing money in sums ranging from RM2,000 to RM50,000 to delegates in exchange for votes for Chua.

Tan said such allegations would not affect the delegates' support for Chua's camp, adding that the blog was as insult to the delegates.

"Don't underestimate the wisdom of delegates. Don't try to influence them with false news and information," he said.

Meanwhile, Theng challenged the blogger to reveal his identity and show proof to back the allegations.

 

Additional reporting by Wong Teck Chi and Kuek Ser Kuang Keng.