UPDATED
By Lee Wei Lian
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 – Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has been reinstated as MCA deputy president by the Registrar of Societies on a day when embattled party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat sacked four central committee members pushing for fresh party elections.
These developments came just hours before the central committee met to discuss the greater unity plan for the divided party.
The four, Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Hueng, Chai Kim Sen, national organising secretary Yoo Wei How and Gan Hon Su, were, ironically, appointed by Ong when he won the presidency in October 2008.
The four sacked central committee members had signed a requisition for an EGM to propose fresh polls.
A crucial central committee meeting to be held this afternoon could decide whether the EGM will be held or whether the entire central committee will resign to pave way for elections or simply fall in line behind the president’s greater unity plan.
Dr Chua was seen entering the central committee meeting this afternoon with his son and Labis MP Chua Tee Yong.
It is speculated that the junior Tee has been appointed a central committee member to replace one of the new vacancies along with two others. However, no official announcement has been made.
In a press conference at the MCA headquarters, the four ex-central committee members said that they were not given a reason for the sacking when told this morning but suspected that is was “revenge” for pushing for fresh polls.
A disdainful Chor criticisised Ong as “ungentlemanly” for allegedly going back on his word that he would resign and that he could not “stomach” it.
“He has to resort to all kinds of methods to safeguard his position, by hook or by crook,” said Chor.
Asked about whether his cabinet post would be affected, Chor said that it was up to the prime minister.
“You have to separate party from cabinet,” he said.
Asked whether they would support the so-called “greater unity plan”, all four protested that they had no idea what it was.
“It was never communicated to the central committee,” said Chor.
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