updated version

An overwhelming number of delegates at the MCA Youth extraordinary general meeting (EGM) today backed a resolution to oppose the controversial Nanyang takeover by the party.

Of the 678 delegates present, 631 or 95 percent voted in a secret ballot against the deal while 25 voted in favour. Eighteen delegates abstained and there were four spoilt votes.

The delegates made up about 44 per cent of the 1,514 party Youth representatives who are entitled to participate in today's meeting.

According to the party constitution, a quorum of 200 members or one third of the total delegates, whichever is lesser, is required for the EGM.

"The decision (against the Nanyang deal) clearly manifested the feelings of MCA's grassroots. By and large, their decision is guided by their conscience because there is no influence and coercion used on the delegates," said a jubilant Ong Tee Keat, who is the Youth chief.

Ong added that not all of those who failed to turn up for the meeting necessarily supported the takeover of Nanyang by MCA.

"Some quarters have threatened the delegates that their livelihood would be affected if they attended the EGM, and some of the Sabah delegates told me once they reached Kota Kinabalu airport, they were asked to go back to their hometowns," he said.

Meeting boycotted

The meeting was boycotted by 27 of the 46 youth central committee members including deputy chairman Hoo Seong Chang, vice-chairman Loh Seng Kok and secretary-general Yew Teong Look.

They argued that the meeting was unconstitutional.

Chairperson of the EGM, Lim Hong Sang, kicked off the meeting by informing the delegates that he had received a letter from party secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh declaring the EGM illegal. Ting had argued that the notice announcing the EGM was not signed by him.

Citing the party's constitution, Lim told the delegates that they have the right to convene at the EGM.

Subsequently, the delegates unanimously passed a resolution stating that today's EGM was convened in accordance with the party's constitution, and that their decision to call for the meeting could not be challenged.

No-confidence vote

The EGM also passed a no-confidence vote against party Youth secretary-general Yew, who was widely criticised for failing to perform his duty to send out the notices of the meeting as instructed by Ong.

"Sack Yew Teong Look!" shouted some of the delegates.

There was a tense moment when a delegate who opposed the no-confidence vote was surrounded by a group of angry colleagues. However, Ong stepped in to defuse the situation.

MCA, the second biggest party in the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition, is bitterly divided over its recent takeover of Nanyang, which publishes two Chinese dailies, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press .

Earlier this morning, about a dozen riot police were seen in front of the Grand Seasons hotel where the meeting took place.

A group of journalists from Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press handed out roses and yellow ribbons to the delegates as they arrived, urging them to oppose the deal.

Party chief Ling Liong Sik has called for an EGM tomorrow to discuss the controversy. Youth delegates constitute one-third of the representatives at tomorrow's decisive EGM.