A group of MCA elders have called for party president Dr Chua Soi Lek’s immediate resignation in the wake of the party’s humiliating performance in last Sunday’s general election.

NONE “Someone must take responsibility for this, so we are asking our party president Chua ( left ) to kindly step down to allow new leaders to reform, revive and resuscitate the party,” said the group’s spokesperson Tan Koon Swan, a former party president.

 Its worst batteringin its 64-year history, MCA saw its representation slashed to seven parliamentary and 11 state seats.

Tan declined to name any possible successor to Chua, saying it was up to the party members to decide.

Although Chua had said that he would not stand in the coming MCA election, another elder, Lee Kim Sai retorted that “even one minute is too long. Don’t drag, lah,” drawing loud cheers from some 30 MCA members witnessing the press conference today.

“A leader should know when to pick up (responsibility) and when to let go,” Lee, a former housing and local government minister, said.

Other elders at the press conference included former Penang executive councillor and former non-executive director of Star Publications Sak Cheng Lum, former human resources minister Lim Ah Lek and former deputy home minister Fu Ah Kiow.

Transition to two-party system

Meanwhile, Tan also appealed to MCA members not to abandon ship but to stay with the party.

“Come in, come back, reform, and revive the party. Continue to carry on the original objective of the party to serve the community and to build a harmonious Malaysia.

“We believe that with all these infrastructure and facilities that we have, the party can become credible and respected again,” he said.

NONE Fielding questions from reporters, Tan ( left ) said he believed the Chinese community abandoned MCA because Pakatan Rakyat was successful in targeting the community’s frustrations on issues such as justice and corruption.

“These are social issues that would take time to resolve. We cannot resolve this properly overnight.

“However people want to see results, so when we can’t deliver results overnight, we lose,” he said.

Nonetheless, he denied that MCA has been rendered irrelevant and said the party would always have a role to play, as long as the people wanted a two-party system.

Asked whether the 13th general election results heralded the end of race-based politics, Tan said, “I believe this is a good transition to a two-party system.

“It is already a very good progress, so let it take its course.”

Expect MCA to backpedal on government posts