MCA Youth chief O­ng Tee Keat is likely to have his party membership suspended indefinitely when the disciplinary committee reveals the findings of an inquiry into his alleged misconduct.

Two party leaders hinted at the possibility today and examined the immediate implications for O­ng's political future.

Ong holds a position in the cabinet as the youth and sports deputy minister and is the Ampang Jaya parliamentary representative.

Investigation completed

Last month, O­ng alleged that triads have infiltrated the party. He was referred to the disciplinary committee for action after the presidential council backing party chief Dr Ling Liong Sik found him guilty of tarnishing the party's image with his "frequent outbursts and innuendos".

The two-week investigation by the disciplinary committee ended o­n Monday, prompting widespread speculation that O­ng, an outspoken critic of Ling's leadership, would not be spared the axe.

The committee is headed by veteran party member Kam Woon Wah, who had headed an ad hoc committee that held o­ng responsible for the fracas at the MCA Youth 2001 annual general assembly. The entire Youth leadership was suspended for six months as a result of the finding.

Kam could not be reached for comment today.

However, a senior party leader described the possible suspension as "a decision made since Day o­ne" when the committee was instructed to investigate O­ng's alleged breach of party discipline.

He said O­ng would lose his Youth chief's post and be automatically replaced by his deputy Hoo Seong Chang, in line with the party constitution.

"The suspension will not o­nly strengthen Team A's control of the Youth wing but will also make it unlikely for O­ng to contest in the next general election. It is a move to end o­ng's political career," he said.

Team A refers to o­ne of the two factions into which the party has been divided for more than a year now, the other being Team B. Team A, which Hoo backs, is led by Ling ( left ) while Team B, which O­ng supports, is led by deputy president Lim Ah Lek ( right ).

A Youth leader aligned to Team A said that, if O­ng is suspended, it would not mean that the latter will immediately lose his ministerial post.

"Cabinet appointments are the prerogative of the prime minister and o­nly he can decide whether O­ng should be retained in the cabinet," he said.

However, the leader who requested anonymity, said it would embarrass MCA if a person without a party post is allowed to hold a cabinet post.

Clear conscience

Meanwhile, O­ng said he had heard the speculation about his membership.

"Nothing is for sure but I'm keeping my fingers crossed," he said when contacted.

He also said he was ready to let go of his party and government posts if it could help solve problems within MCA.

"Unlike some unprincipled characters, I will not cling o­n to my posts. My conscience is clear and that is enough," he said.

He added he was still doing his work in the ministry and his constituency because "I am least perturbed by what may happen to me personally".

Chinese newspaper Oriental Daily News reported today, however, that o­ng has "started clearing his belongings from the party headquarters and ministry office".

The report quoted him as saying that he would not give up easily if a disciplinary action is taken against him.

"If I am sacked, the calls for reform within MCA will be heard everywhere," he reportedly said.

Ong has been the member of parliament for Ampang Jaya since 1989.

He was political secretary to former MCA deputy chief Lee Kim Sai from 1986 to 1989, and the deputy speaker of Dewan Negara from 1990 to 1999.

His political career reached its height after he was elected MCA Youth chief in 1999. After the general election that year, he was appointed the deputy youth and sports minister.