Ong hints at defending post

Reports by FOONG PEK YEE, LEE YUK PENG, NG SI HOOI, NG CHENG YEE, RACHAEL KAM, YUEN MEIKENG and SHARON CHEW

Photos by ONG SOON HIN, NG KOK LEONG, DARRAN TAN, SIA HONG KIAU, KEVIN TAN and SAM THAM

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has hinted that he may defend his post in the March 28 party elections.

In his speech when opening the party’s 56th annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday, Ong said “the upcoming elections will only elect leaders who will be there for one year but I will continue this journey”.

Warm greetings: Ong waving to central delegates and supporters during a break at the party’s 56th AGM in Dewan San Choon yesterday. — DARRAN TAN/ The Star

Ong’s declaration of his intention to continue the journey was met with a standing ovation of almost a minute from the floor.

Referring to his days in hospital recently for a heel operation, Ong, who appeared moved by the floor’s response, recalled the words which his supporters said to him: “The injury you suffered is not only on your heel, but also your heart. But today, I am able to walk and stand on this stage to be with you all. I am the type who has my feet planted firmly on the ground.”

Ong pledged to stick with the party members through thick and thin, using the Chinese phrase, feng yu tong lu which literally means, “whether it is windy or raining, I will always be with you.”

Recalling his approach since he took over the party’s helm in October 2008, Ong said the reforms he wanted to bring to the party might have hurt people with vested interests and apologised for that.

“If I had only thought about my position, I would not have stirred so many hornets’ nests,” he said.

On the turnout for the AGM despite all the controversy surrounding it, Ong said the central delegates attended the AGM on their own accord and the attendance was not something that had been orchestrated.

He said their attendance reflected their conscience and also their love and faith for the party.

Later at a press conference, Ong said he had not decided whether to defend his post.

“I will consider the input from the people who sent me text messages, e-mail and Facebook messages. Apart from that, I also have to do some soul-searching and stock-taking,” he said.

Ong also pointed out that the party must continue its “journey of reform” despite the up-coming fresh elections because transformation was for the good of the party.

On whether the turnout at the AGM was reflective of the support he has in the party, Ong said: “There are some delegates who did not turn up due to fear and anxiety. They are afraid of a witch hunt later.”

On talk of Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai teaming up for the fresh central committee elections, Ong said: “Such topics would always capture the imagination of the public and make potential headlines in newspapers.”

The AGM, which began at 9.50am, was attended by 603 central delegates. There are 2,378 central delegates to the AGM and the quorum is 200 delegates.