The coordination committee set up to investigate the recent fracas at the MCA Youth annual general meeting was an attempt by the party president to "skew the findings to his favour", claimed deputy president Lim Ah Lek today.

Lim said it was clear that party chief, Dr Ling Liong Sik, has tried to delay and frustrate the investigation into the fracas with the newly established committee and the appointment of central committee member Chor Chee Heung as its head.

Previously, Ling employed other tactics such as issuing a gag order to stop party members from discussing internal affairs in the media and defending the posts of two Youth leaders who were sacked at the wing's AGM, he added.

Lim who was speaking at a special press conference in Kuala Lumpur called on the party president to stop misleading the party and not cover his wrongdoings.

He also urged the party members not to accept the new committee and the police to expedite its investigation into the fracas and release its report soon.

"We sincerely hope he (Ling) would stop playing any more tricks for his own personal agenda at the expense of the party constitution," he said.

Legal action

According to Lim the coordination committee is an "illegitimate and unconstitutional body" as it will bypass the party's disciplinary committee and submit the findings direct to the presidential council.

"This is an act of blatant disregard of the existence of the disciplinary committee," said Lim who helms the disciplinary committee.

"It is the first time in the history of MCA that the disciplinary committee is sidestepped because of one man manipulating from behind the scene," he added.

He did not rule out the possibility of resorting to legal actions if the party president fails to "come back to his senses and keep his words".

The Aug 3 Youth AGM made the headlines when it was marred by fist-fights, flying chairs and a bomb hoax.

The unruly meet also saw the sacking of two Ling-aligned leaders, Youth vice-chairman Loh Seng Kok and secretary-general Yew Tiong Look.

Following this, Ling announced last month that an inquiry committee comprising veteran party members will be set up to investigate the fracas and the constitutionality of the sacking of the two Youth leaders.

However, last Monday, Ling appointed central committee member Chor to head a different coordination committee to look into the matter, sparking off a volley of protests from certain party leaders who fear that the impartiality of the committee may be compromised.

Witch-hunt

Lim said the inquiry committee which was proposed initially at the presidential council meeting last month was agreed by those present.

"We resolved then that the inquiry committee would forward its findings to the disciplinary committee for their considerations and further actions. After that, the disciplinary committee would forward its recommendations to the presidential council and the CC (central committee) for decision," he said.

Despite the agreement that the party president would discuss with him to determine which veteran members will sit on the inquiry committee, Ling " unilaterally changed his stance" and appointed Chor to head and pick members into a different committee.

The deputy president said it was obvious that the new committee was part of an ongoing 'witch-hunt' on those who had been vocal against the Nanyang takeover.

Early this month, party vice president Chua Jui Meng was removed from his post as MCA Kedah state liaison chairman.

Lim and Chua were among the 'Gang of Eight' who publicly opposed the acquisition of Nanyang - publisher of two Chinese dailies, by MCA in late May.

It is speculated that Chua who is said to be enjoying a growing influence among the grassroots, may challenge Ling for the presidential post next August.

'Big mouth'

Meanwhile, Lim once again criticised the party president for ignoring the objections of the Chinese organisations over the Nanyang deal.

"His ears have become smaller and his mouth has become bigger," he said.

Asked if this implied that the 'opposing faction' would field a candidate to challenge Ling for the party presidential post next year, Lim said, "We will cross the bridge and we come to that. We will let you know at an appropriate time."

Also present at the special press conference were vice-presidents Chua and Chan Kong Choy, Youth chief Ong Tee Keat, Wanita deputy chief Tan Yee Kew, CC members Wong Mook Leong and Dr Tang See Hang.