By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has denied allegations made by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek earlier today that he had asked for the latter's support in his bid to be party president.
Liow described Dr Chua’s remarks as a diversion.
Earlier today, Dr Chua had said he was prepared to step down as deputy president if that was what Liow wanted.
He also said that Liow had asked him for support to wrest the president’s post from incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat after the party’s Oct 10 EGM.
But Liow (picture) maintained that his call for another EGM now was not to pave the way for him to be president but to uphold democracy and return the rights of its members to decide on the future of the party.
"These people, they just want to divert the attention from the real matter," said Liow at a press conference today held in Parliament.
Liow was alongside several MCA top leaders including his right-hand man, Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong, former secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and sacked central committee member Datuk Chor Chee Hueng.
Ka Chuan was there to show support for the proposed EGM to be held on Nov 28.
The new EGM is being organised by Liow's men.
Liow also reiterated today that he was not interested in the presidency but wanted to uphold justice and restore public confidence in the party.
Tee Keat continues to hold on to the party presidency, despite losing a no confidence vote at the Oct 10 EGM.
He has now made peace with his rival Dr Chua in an attempt to hold on to power in MCA.
Tee Keat is also now targeting Liow, his former ally, in his attacks and has accused Liow of wanting power.
But public opinion appears to be going against Tee Keat, with influential Chinese newspapers calling for him to exit the scene.
Liow’s bid to hold another EGM to pave the way for fresh party polls also appears to be picking up momentum.
But it is understood that Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak favours a period of stability returning to the party before new elections are held.
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Like some said, "kalau tidak suka atau tidak bersependapat, keluarlah parti.". The survival of party not depends on the said Force. It depends of members and public. If they do not complaints, why provoke them.