KUANTAN: MCA deputy president Datuk Lim Ah Lek said he would contest for the party president’s post in 2005 party if Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik still holds the post at that time.
Lim said he stayed out in the party election last year out of respect for the peace plan initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He reiterated yesterday that he was ready to make a comeback to active politics.
“I am willing to be a candidate in the next general election if it will help garner Chinese support for MCA and Barisan Nasional.
“I will not return for personal gains,” Lim said after a dinner in conjunction with MCA’s 45th anniversary organised by Air Putih MCA branch here on Sunday.
Also present were vice-president Datuk Chan Kong Choy, Youth Chief Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Kuantan MCA division chief Datuk Kan Tong Leong, his deputy Ti Lian Ker and Beserah assemblyman Datuk Fauzi Abdul Rahman.
“However, Barisan’s top leaders at national and state levels will have the final say.
“If (Pahang) Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob wants me to contest in Bentong, I am willing to do so,” he said.
Responding to Lim, two senior MCA leaders expressed regret that he was talking about fighting for position when the party was concentrating on raising funds for Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) and achieving the peace agenda to reunite the party.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh said the next party election was three years away and members should focus their efforts to help strengthen the party, community and nation instead of talking about party positions.
“There are so many important things to do, especially raising funds to build Utar as it will bring a better future for all,” he said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur.
Dr Ting also pointed out that respect and support from the people would come when leaders convinced them through their good work and service.
Johor MCA chairman Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said, Lim, as usual was always talking about positions and this showed his “fixation” for party posts.
Speaking in a telephone interview from Johor Baru, Dr Chua also reminded Lim that it was better to talk less and work more, if one was really sincere in serving the party, community and nation.
He asked Lim to show what he had done to help the party which faced a few important issues last year, including the use of English to teach Mathematics and Science in Chinese primary schools and the two Penang assemblymen who had abstained from voting against a DAP motion at the state assembly.
He said MCA leaders were busy strengthening the party and Barisan Nasional to face the next general election in order to ensure stability and peace in the wake of religious extremism and external threats.
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