KUALA LUMPUR - Although there are three weeks to go before a blockbuster extraordinary general meeting to decide their political fates, neither MCA president Ong Tee Keat nor his sacked deputy Chua Soi Lek are taking any chances nor leaving any stone unturned to outdo each other.

The arch enemies have already set up their respective operations centres for the Oct 10 challenge that may result in Tee Keat’s ouster and Soi Lek’s reinstatement or vice-versa.

Supporters of Tee Keat have already set up base at the Nikko Hotel while Soi Lek’s camp is at Corus Hotel. Both teams have drawn up impressive schedules and set up meetings for the 2,400-odd delegates who will come from all parts of the country to attend the EGM at the party's Kuala Lumpur headquarters.

The purpose of the two leaders – to win the hearts, minds and votes of these delegates!

Said Tee Keat in a recent blog posting: “I have confidence that our central delegates are not easily swayed by lies, half-truths, intimidation or monetary offers.

"They possess the wisdom to determine the destiny of the MCA. Ultimately, they will know the consequences of not doing the right thing.”

Take no prisoners

The MCA president is battling for his chair. Tee Keat faces five resolutions at the EGM (see below) including a no-confidence vote requisitioned by Soi Lek’s supporters after he was sacked for tarnishing the party’s image.

A former Health Minister, Soi Lek was filmed having sex with a friend and the video distributed far and wide by his enemies. He was forced to resign all posts but made a comeback in the Oct 2008 party elections, which saw him elected as Tee Keat’s No. 2.

But their dislike for each other and their inability to work together soon brought about the latest eruption, when a Tee Keat-backed presidential council board controversially fired Soi Lek last month.

“Both men have reached a point of no return. Even if Tee Keat had not fired Soi Lek, Soi Lek would have tried to oust him sooner or later, one way or the other,” a party watcher told Malaysian Mirror.

“By accepting the resolutions against himself, Tee Keat is showing courage and leadership and this will be respected by the delegates. We don’t see the no-confidence vote going through at all.

"But will delegates reinstate Soi Lek? This is less certain although at the moment the feedback from the ground is that they will."

Current odds 52-48 in favour of Tee Keat

However, a "win-win" or reconciliatory result may not be achievable. Close aides say both Tee Keat and Soi Lek are pushing for a winner-takes-all EGM.

“There are three weeks to go, so new developments can arise. But as of now, both leaders have ordered their men to take no prisoners,” an insider said.

Based on feedback from the grassroots, Tee Keat is currently leading with 52 percent of delegates having promised their support for him.  

Soi Lek, who is believed to have personally telephoned each delegate, may have to work harder as not all of the balance 48 percent are with him.

"I have faith in the political maturity and the wisdom of the central delegates," the former deputy aid in a recent interview.

"What they are interested is to see an MCA where there is closing of ranks and there is team spirit and not a one man show and that there should be a road map of internal reformation of the party so that we can face the next coming general election.

But although many sympathise with him and are unbothered by the sex scandal, which took place in 2007, they still prefer Tee Keat to lead MCA.

“The bad blood between the two is too obvious. Basically, the pitch now to the delegates is -  make up your mind. There can only be one captain. If you pair the two again, trouble will brew sooner rather than later. And MCA will be the real loser." 

- Malaysian Mirror

The 5 resolutions to be debated and tabled on Oct 10 at 10am in the Dewan Lee San Choon are:

• That the members of the general assembly have no confidence in the leadership of president Ong;

• That the presidential council’s decision on Aug 26 in accepting the recommendation of the disciplinary board and the subsequent decision of the central committee (if any) to expel or suspend Chua is annulled;

1. Chua be rightfully restored as deputy president of MCA;

• The appointment made by the central committee, including that of the deputy president of MCA, be revoked; and

1. There shall be no disciplinary action taken against any or all of the requisitionists by the disciplinary board, the central committee or the presidential council  .