Whatever the public perception of the relationship between the MCA boss and his deputy, both appear to believe that there is nothing wrong at all.

mca agm 181008 chua soi lek ong tee keat Asked about persistent talk that the two do not get along, party president Ong Tee Keat (left in photo) referred a quick chat with Dr Chua Soi Lek (right in photo) after a central committee (CC) meeting yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

Ong said Chua had “categorically denied” contributing to the speculation in the media, which has been building since the party elections last October. This was not the first time that Ong has had to deny that their relationship is strained.

“Time again I have been asked by the press (about the relationship). Certain Chinese language media have chosen to play up the so-called discord between us,” Ong told reporters after the meeting.

“Just a couple of minutes ago, I had the opportunity to talk to my deputy president and he categorically denied having made such statements...Of course, if other people choose to interpret this in other ways, it is beyond our control.”

And that was about as much as he was prepared to say on the matter.

Moving on to other issues, Ong said the party would pursue greater fairness in civil service recruitment and distribution of jobs.

The MCA will focus its efforts on encouraging more non-Malay participation in two professional categories - teaching and nursing., he said.

“It does not mean the party is forgoing other professions. A nationwide road-show will be organised to disseminate information to students and parents.

“We will also coordinate with the relevant authorities and colleges (to promote) career opportunities and enhance the intake of non-Malays into these professions.”

Ong pointed out that former MCA Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai had, during his tenure, launched a similar campaign to recruit more Chinese into the police force.

Yap heads council

At yesterday’s meeting, several appointments were made.

yap pian hon and mca Former vice-president Yap Pian Hon (left) was appointed head of the Council of Elders,while the CC line-up was expanded by the inclusion of Chua Kim Chuan (from Kedah) and Eng Hiap Boon (Penang Youth chief).

Ng Soon Por (Selangor), Lai Kuan Fook (Federal Territory) and Lau Chih Siang (Kelantan) were appointed to the Disciplinary Board chaired by Ng Cheng Kiat and his deputy, Jimmy Low Boon Hong.

Two bureaux were created and one renamed:

- Parliamentary Affairs, headed by Wee Jeck Seng;

- Community Education Development (formerly the Lamgkawi Resources Centre), headed by Deputy Wanita chief Yu Chok Tow;

- Special Tasks, headed by former Youth leader and lawyer Lim Seng Chai

The CC further endorsed the setting-up of a RM1 million scholarship and loan fund for students pursuing Chinese Studies at the party-owned Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The fund has been named after Chinese educationist Sim Mow Yu, who died last week, in commemoration of his lifelong dedication towards Chinese education.