Tee Keat remains mum on future plans

Former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has refused to outright deny or confirm the rumours that that he might be running for presidency during the upcoming party elections.

Tee Keat, when commenting about reports in Chinese dailies, remains tight-lipped on his next move as he did not exactly say if he wants to run for presidency.

“I never said that (I want to run for presidency). That is how they interpreted it.

"I merely said if at all I want to get myself elected or, if I want to cast my vote in the MCA elections, then, I need to be a central delegate,” he explained to Astro AWANI.

It was reported that MCA Pandan division chief Datuk Ong Chen Huing has agreed to relinquish his post, a move that is believed that will pave the way for the ex-MCA president to contest for the top post.

Should Tee Keat, who is currently an ordinary member, take on the post Chen Huing relinquishes, it would ultimately make Tee Keat eligible to contest for the MCA top post.

Chen Huing, in the news report, clarified that his intention to step down was mainly due to his intention to put more focus on running his business and not "to make way" for Tee Keat.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development that has gripped MCA, political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said Tee Keat’s comeback to MCA would have to be determined by some 2,000 MCA branch and delegate members.

“He would need the vote and support from the branch and delegate members to make a comeback,” said Khoo.

Tee Keat was the MCA president for only a year before he was unseated.