MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek today shot back at party veterans seeking his immediate resignation, blaming their political baggages as the reason behind MCA's recent electoral defeat.

Citing an example, he said that one of the 15 veterans who had ask him to step down was once jailed for a criminal offence.

NONE Although he did not name the person, it was very likely that he was referring to Tan Koon Swan ( left ), who was jailed for two years for fraud by the Singapore High Court in 1986.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the MCA central committee meeting today, Chua said the criticisms of the 15 party veterans were not brought up during the meeting.

Chua said that the group of party veterans not only left a poor legacy, they do not care about party affairs and do not participate in party activities, such as its AGM.

Asked if the group of veterans were to blame for MCA's poor electoral showing, Chua responded: "Of course lah ! We have to deal with the burdens they left us with".

When asked on why there had been many MCA leaders from all levels who wanted him to resign, Chua replied that these people should have come to see him personally, and not rebutted him publicly.

"I am an elected president. If every time we ask the elected president to resign, why should we have party elections?"

The 15 party elders are Tan, Lee San Chun, Lim Ah Lek, Lee Kim Sai, Wong Sea Wah, Sak Cheng Lum, Michael Chen, Lau Yin Pin, Jimmy Lau, Fu Ah Kiow, Woon See Chin, Wong Kam Hong, Freddie Long, Kee Yong Wee and Wang Choon Wing.

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