Most CC members not quitting

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/6SEM/Article/index_html

2009/12/24

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai's attempt to pave way for fresh elections may fail as there are not enough resignations by central committee (CC) members ahead of the deadline tomorrow. Besides the resignations by 13 CC members, including Liow's on Dec 15, nobody else has decided to quit as of yesterday.

The party constitution requires 21 CC members to resign to support fresh polls.

CC member Datuk Ti Lian Ker said as they were responsible for the party, CC members could not simply bow to any external pressure.

"The action by Liow contradicts the image of MCA as an independent, sovereign and 'self-rule' political party because Liow was perceived to be acting in the interest of forces outside the party.

"Other CC members (who did not tender their resignations) are angry with Liow's high-profile political drama in Parliament ," he said, adding that the action was irresponsible.

The 13 CC members had handed their resignation letters to party secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng at Parliament and later held a press conference to explain their actions.

Liow, who is the health minister, had said that the resignations were necessary to resolve the leadership crisis in the party.

Bernama reported Wong as saying that the CC members who had not tendered their resignations could do so at any time, but issued a reminder on tomorrow's deadline.

He said the party constitution did not specifically mention the need of the deadline, but it would facilitate the party leadership to make necessary follow-up if the CC members submitted the letters by tomorrow.

He was met in Parliament after receiving a courtesy call from the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Absattar Derbisali.

Besides Liow, others who have tendered their resignations are Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Wong Mook Leong, Tan Kok Hong, Lee Wei Kiat, Datuk Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Senator Datuk Yeow Chai Thiam, Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Liew Yuen Keong, Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai and Senator Datuk Alex Wong Siong Hwee.