MCA recommends Donald Lim and Gan Ping Sieu for senatorship (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA presidential council has decided to recommend party vice-presidents Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and Gan Ping Sieu for senatorship.

Party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the presidential council which met yesterday did not discuss government posts because such appointments was the prerogative of the prime minister.

Lim, an engineer by training, and Gan, a lawyer, who won in the March party election are among the hopefuls in the next Cabinet reshuffle.

The vacancies came after Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun resigned from her post of senator and deputy minister last month. Datuk Wong Foon Meng’s two terms as senator also expired last month.

In an immediate response, Gan said he was glad to be given the platform to serve, while Lim pledged to do his best for the party, community and the nation.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the presidential council meeting here Thursday, Dr Chua said he and party leaders had met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Thursday morning to discuss the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Also at the meeting were secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Insap (MCA think tank) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn.

Dr Chua said they had explored the possibility of allowing holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) conducted by Chinese independent schools to enter public institute of higher learning.

The UEC is equivalent to STPM.

“We hope they can take up certain courses, especially the science related ones in government universities,” Dr Chua said, adding that Najib would discuss the request with Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Dr Chua said MCA has also appealed to the Government to build 10 new Chinese primary schools, relocate 15 Chinese primary schools and consider reserving land for Chinese schools in Chinese majority housing estates.

Other matters discussed include getting the Government-link companies to provide scholarships to outstanding STPM students as a way to prevent brain drain, foreign labour, minimum wage, the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme and new villages.

On party matters, Dr Chua said the presidential council had decided to set up a council comprising professionals to ensure the party’s assets were well-managed for the benefit of the party and its members.

He said Najib, also the Barisan Nasional chairman, would open the MCA annual general meeting (AGM) on Oct 10. The AGM for the Youth and Wanita would be held a day earlier.