PETALING JAYA: Former MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek today criticised his successor Liow Tiong Lai for violating an agreement they both signed before the Dec 21 party election and sidelining his supporters in the new MCA leadership line-up.
Making his first media appearance after the party polls, Chua claimed that Liow had promised to allocate the secretary-general post, three central committee posts, and three state chairmen posts to leaders from Chua’s factions should Liow be elected as the party president.
Chua also said that the signing of the agreement was witnessed by several individuals from within and outside the party, and they had even suggested several candidates for the secretary-general’s post.
However, when the new line-up was unveiled early this month, Chua said he felt disappointed that Liow, the self-proclaimed man of honour, tore apart the agreement.
“Before the elections he kept citing a Chinese proverb that the king should not joke, but now I don’t know whether he is joking with me or not, god only knows,” he said.
Chua claimed that the agreement, which was also dubbed as peace deal by the media, had a penalty clause. The violator will be referred to the party disciplinary committee; but stressed that he has no plans to do so.
Chua’s return to media limelight today signals that the battle between the two is far from over.
Liow’s appointments
After winning over the presidency, Liow appointed Ong Ka Chuan as the new party secretary-general while the five appointed central committee members were Wee Jeck Seng, Yew Teong Look, Koh Chin Han, Chew Koh Wah and Wong Nai Chee.
Liow’s supporters such as Selangor-based vice president Chew Mei Fun and Johor-based vice president Hou Kok Chung were appointed as Penang and Kelantan state chiefs respectively.
Most of the appointees were from Liow’s camp while Chua’s camp leaders, such as elected vice president Chua Tee Yong and Lee Chee Leong were only appointed as the Perlis and Kedah state party chairman respectively.
There are still three vacant central committee positions to be appointed by Liow.
Chua said Liow was only interested in consolidating his power in the party.
Chua further said that he was not demanding an apology nor compensation from Liow, but to merely warn party members of Liow’s character.
“As a leader you should walk the talk. It’s just like if you are the prime minister, you are not supposed to sign an agreement with Singapore PM first, only to break the agreement later.
“Last year I said Liow was an indecisive leader with no credibility and tends to flip-flop, and till now I still think the same,” he said.
Liow: Clean hand wants no washing
Chua also claimed that it was the second time Liow had not kept his promise. In 2012 Liow agreed to support him in the MCA’s re-election but switched to Ong Ka Ting’s camp in the very last minute.
Above that Chua also said that it was the first time in MCA’s history that so many states have “parachuted” chairman which went against the wishes of the grassroots leaders.
In reply, Liow said Chua has been throwing mud at him ever since after the 13th general election.
“A clean hand wants no washing. He should know better who did not honour his words. For now I will focus on party reforms to lead the party forward,” he said in a Facebook posting.
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