newsflash

MCA Youth chief Ong Tee Keat and a number of key 'Team B' leaders arrived at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur at 4.45pm today amid cheers of support from a crowd of 100 people.

They were greeted with shouts of, 'We support the Youth chief'. The supporters also carried a banner which read, 'Return the Youth its dignity'.

The party central committee began its meeting at 5pm to decide on the fate of the embattled Youth chief who many believe could be sacked from his party post.

It is expected the CC will act in accordance with the veteran committee's recommendation that Ong ( photo ), Youth secretary-general Yew Tiong Look and speaker Lim Hong San be "censured" for the fracas which erupted at the wing's recent annual general meeting.

Receivership

The Aug 3 AGM which was marred by fistfights and a bomb hoax, also saw the sacking of Yew and vice-chairperson Loh Seng Kok. Both are aligned to party president Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Following this, a veterans committee which was set-up to investigate the fracas took the Youth chief and speaker to task for "premeditating" the ruckus.

The committee also suggested that the sacked leaders be reinstated.

Should the CC decide not to sack or suspend Ong today, it is likely that the Youth leadership will be placed under the receivership of the parent body.

Some 10 uniformed and plainclothes policemen are present at the venue.

Earlier today, Ong told reporters at a press conference that he was prepared to face the decision of the CC.

"Whatever may happen today will not mark the end of my career," he said.

He also noted that party leader Ling was once expelled from MCA.

[Full report to follow]