KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — The announcement of MCA’s peace plan today left niggling doubts over how solid the reconciliation between former rivals will be and whether it will really be the end to months of power struggle.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who brokered the plan, is also unsure if the idea of maintaining the status quo in MCA will work.
Under the plan, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek agreed to bury their differences.
Ong and Dr Chua agreed to find ways to stabilise the party, with the two at the helm, without bringing the party to the brink.
Another EGM and fresh polls is also off the agenda under the truce.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Najib is going along with the plan for now but like everyone else, wonders if a refusal to accept the verdict of party delegates will have consequences.
A press conference, hastily convened at MCA’s headquarters at 2.30pm this afternoon, got off to a frosty start when esrstwhile rivals Ong and Dr Chua entered the room and sat one seat apart without making small talk.
There was also an awkward silence as all present in the room waited for the third party — Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai — to arrive.
Vice president Datuk Ng Yen Yen shuffled uncomfortably in her seat even after Liow arrived.
A sombre looking Liow did not talk during the press conference but later told reporters he would have to “discuss” the unity plan with central committee members.
During the press conference, it was confirmed that Liow would remain deputy president for now pending a response from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on Dr Chua’s application to be recognised as deputy president following the annulment of his sacking.
If the ROS declares Dr Chua the deputy president, it could prove an obstacle to the unity plan.
Chua’s role now remains ambiguous.
“I will brainstorm with other leaders,” said Ong when asked about Dr Chua’s role in the party.
The other question which was answered during the press conference but in an unconvincing fashion was whether Ong and Dr Chua would be able to work together.
“I am optimistic and hopeful,” said Ong when asked if the two men would be able to overcome months of deep seated animosity.
Dr Chua put it in more pragmatic terms saying both men had about half the support of the general assembly and therefore had to unite to move the party forward.
“The EGM was an eye opener for both men. There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics,” said Ng after the press conference.
There is a feeling among party observers now that Liow’s position has worsened due to the peace plan.
Though the announcement of a peace plan was supposed to be a joyous occasion, there was no backslapping or laughter, just polite smiles and handshakes.
Another question that remains is how Ong’s intention to stay on as president will affect his image since the party general assembly passed a motion of no confidence against him.
He said today said that he had decided not to resign after receiving numerous letters, e-mails and text messages of support and wants to take care of unfinished business.
Whether the party delegates will be able to accept this explanation after traveling from all corners of the country to cast their vote remains to be seen.
But with Dr Chua appearing to be throwing his support behind the peace plan, his supporters are unlikely to make much of a fuss.
“The EGM was to get rid of Tee Keat and now that Soi Lek is supporting a unity plan, then there is no reason for him to resign,” argued a source close to Ong.
Ong denied Najib had applied pressure on the two men to make peace.
The revelation that Najib had met the two men however could reinforce the perception that MCA is unable to solve power struggles on its own.
Ultimately, the uneasy peace in MCA is likely to mean Ong and Dr Chua will have to draw up a time frame for succession.
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