Ka Chuan backs Tee Keat

BESUT: MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan is backing vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat for the No 1 post in the Oct 18 party polls.

Ka Chuan said he had made his choice as the party required young blood to spearhead its transformation.

“Tee Keat is in his 50s and is young to run for the presidency. The opportunity should be given to a younger leader,” he said after launching the mid-autumn festival organised by Terengganu MCA at Gong Kemuntong here last night.

Tee Keat, who is the Transport Minister, is expected to square off against former vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng for the party presidency in the Oct 18 polls.

Ka Chuan, who is the Housing and Local Government Minister, said Chua, a former five-term vice-president, was already in his mid-60s and had served for 15 years as parliamentary secretary, deputy minister and minister.

He said one could not deny Jui Meng’s experience but said Tee Keat, as a younger leader, would be the one to help transform the MCA and return it to its relevance.

Ka Chuan said Tee Keat, at 51, was also younger than the incumbent president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is 52.

“I strongly feel that the younger leader should take over to revitalise the party,” he added.

Ka Chuan, the 54-year-old Tanjong Malim MP, said the president should be someone capable and filled with vibrancy, adding that he would opt for younger leaders when casting his vote in the coming party election.

Ka Ting has announced that he would not be defending his presidency.

Ka Chuan also pledged to wage a “gentleman’s” fight for the deputy presidency, expected to be contested between him and former vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who had earlier announced his candidacy.

“There will be no personal attacks (against Dr Chua) and he can be assured of no dirty tactics or unnecessary accusations (from me),” he added.

Asked whether the video tape sex scandal involving Dr Chua, who resigned as Health Minister due to it, would be used to undermine the latter’s bid, Ka Chuan said he did not believe in personal attacks or finger pointing as his priority was party unity.

“Candidates should abide by the party’s guidelines and that includes me.

“Anything that would jeopardise the party’s unity should be avoided ... no dirty tactics,” he stressed.