Ong Tee Keat (file pic)
PETALING JAYA, 15 Oct 2009: The following is the statement made by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat after the party’s central committee meeting held to discuss the party’s leadership crisis. Ong posted the statement on his blog.
Statement by Ong Tee Keat
I would like to thank my supporters from all races and all walks of life who have shown deep concern and showered me [with] kind words and encouragement following the MCA [10 Oct 2009] EGM (extraordinary general meeting). I am heartened by the call urging me to stay as president of the party
Over the years, my political career has been guided by my conscience and the peoples’ aspirations. People who know me well know that I uphold my principles in my political practice. It has never been my practice to renege on my word, including what I had pledged earlier with regard to the outcome of the EGM.
Nonetheless, the disciplinary action was a collective decision of the Presidential Council and Central Committee. Hence, the onus and responsibility is not on me alone, but collectively.
That being the case, I had proposed to have fresh polls to seek a fresh mandate from the party, especially [since] the outcome of the EGM was inconclusive and indicated that the grassroots were divided. The best way out of this situation is to seek the re-affirmation of the MCA leadership.
However any hopes for [a] fresh poll [were] dashed because certain quarters are worried that I would renege on my word and decide to stay as the party president. This is absolutely baseless.
Because of this, today I have decided to go back to the grassroots. I have directed [the] MCA secretary-general to call for an EGM under Article 30.1 of the MCA constitution to decide whether the party should hold [a] fresh poll for the Central Committee. The EGM/AGM will allow delegates to end the impasse over whether the Central Committee should seek a fresh mandate.
I still have a long list of unfinished business involving party and public interests, like the direct election of the MCA presidency and the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) issue. It is my wish to see such issues addressed without any abrupt disruption.
I also would also like to congratulate [Datuk Seri] Liow Tiong Lai on his election as the deputy president after due deliberations by the Central Committee.
Last but not least, I need to tender my apologies to the people if they felt that I have not lived up to their expectations. I want to assure them that so long as I continue as a Member of Parliament and remain a discerning Malaysian, I will continue to pursue the PKFZ case in whatever capacity available to me. To my aspiring MCA colleagues, I must apologise if I stand in the way of your political ascendency. That has never been my intention.
To the genuine party members and workers, please do continue with your endeavour to help strengthen the party, but do refrain from playing into the hands of manipulators and opportunists.
Life has to go on and I have no regrets over any decision and endeavour I had embarked upon.
