MCA chief Dr Ling Liong Sik has called for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on June 24 to resolve the dispute over the controversial takeover by the party of two major Chinese daily newspapers.

According to Bernama today, about 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the EGM at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to express their stand on the takeover.

"This will give the members of the highest body in the party, the delegates to the general assembly, a chance to discuss and make a final decision," Ling was quoted as saying.

"Once a final decision is made, we should all close ranks," he added.

The party's takeover last month of Nanyang Press Holdings which publishes the dailies Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press through its investment arm Huaren Holdings last month has generated a volley of protests from both within the party and the Chinese community.

Party leaders opposing the deal have been going on road shows calling for an EGM to clear the air. It is learnt that Ling issued a notice for the EGM this afternoon.

Yesterday, the party's Youth wing had decided to hold its EGM on June 23 on the grounds that the Nanyang takeover had violated the party constitution.

Sin Chew not acceptable

Earlier today, party leaders Lim Ah Lek and Chua Jui Meng, two of Huaren's trustees opposing the Nanyang takeover, said they had advised Ling to sell the two newly acquired dailies as soon as possible in compliance with the wishes of the Chinese community.

"If this is agreeable to Ling, we should dispose our shares in Nanyang Press, but definitely not to the owner of Sin Chew Jit Poh because it will create another monopoly," said party deputy president Lim at a joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur with his vice-president Chua.

"We don't want to go through another round of explanation to try comforting the Chinese. The message is clear, they don't want us to do it," added Lim.

When asked whether the party will remain as a minor shareholder in Nanyang Press, Chua replied, "If you heed the voices of the Chinese community, you will know."

Sin Chew Jit Poh and Guang Ming Daily are newspapers published by Nanyang Press' rival, media group Pemandangan Sinar.

Last week, Chinese organisations and opposition leaders expressed concern over the possibility of Tiong Hew King, owner of Pemandangan Sinar, buying over MCA's stake in Nanyang Press as they fear that this will bring four leading Chinese dailies under one umbrella and jeorpadise the diversity of opinions.

Biased coverage

Lim and Chua also claimed that they have suffered from biased coverage in the local media, especially the Chinese dailies, over the past couple weeks.

The deputy MCA chief said he had been portrayed in the press as working together with the opposition, particularly after the party's central committee meeting when he voted against the deal together with seven other members.

"I was tainted as if I was supporting the opposition but I have been a party member for over 30 years. To portray me as a opposition member, I think, is something uncalled for," he said.

Chua said he had told his party president that there have been attacks in the Chinese press of the eight central committee members for the stand they took.

"The attack was sometimes very personal in nature and strong words were used," he said.

Last week, Chinese lobby groups called for the Chinese community to stop subscribing and advertising in the two newly-acquired MCA dailies.

Following this, Ling offered to sell most of the party's stake in Nanyang Press to those who were interested.