KUALA LUMPUR: Although the final results are yet to be announced, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong will be the new MCA president, with Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon as his deputy.
As at 11.51pm, unofficial results show that both Dr Wee and Dr Mah are leading and have garnered more than half of the 636 electoral votes.
The Ayer Hitam MP secured 426 electoral votes against his rival, Kluang MCA division chairman Gan Ping Sieu, who received 180 votes in the party elections.
Dr Mah, who formed the WeeMah team with Dr Wee, secured 408 votes against Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, who received 193 votes.
The third presidential candidate, Beruas MCA Youth chairman Ngoo Teck Keong, 31, failed to receive any votes.
Both Dr Wee and Dr Mah arrived at the San Choon Hall of Wisma MCA at about 11pm and checked on the results tabulation before addressing the press.
“Dr Mah and I are thankful for the strong endorsement given by all the divisional delegates in terms of electoral and popular votes.
“We will wait for the full results to find out who has won for the central committee posts before I comment further,” he said.
When asked whether he would appoint anyone from the opposing camp to any position in the central committee, Dr Wee said it was too early to say.
“There are still about 20% of votes that have yet to come in so far, so let’s wait for the full results.
“We will need a few days to deliberate on things and I will call for the first central committee meeting as soon as possible to decide on more matters concerning the party’s future,” he added.
Calling the WeeMah team’s victory a strong boost in arms for the news party leadership line-up, Dr Wee also thanked his predecessor Datuk Seri Liow Lai who had led the party well.
He also said that Gan had called him at 10.35pm to congratulate him.
“I call on everyone who has contested to close rank and come together to fight for and rebuild the party, regardless of winning or losing.
“We should respect the wishes of the delegates who have voted.
“Let us forget about this election after this and start brainstorming and be reunited to work for the party,” he added.
Dr Wee, 50, is the sole MP from MCA. The party won two state seats out of the 129 seats contested and lost 38 out of the 39 parliamentary seats contested in the 14th General Election.
Meanwhile, Gan wrote on his Facebook page that he has congratulated Dr Wee on winning the position.
“I have called Dr Wee and congratulated him as the new president. I hope he will lead all members in this challenging time and nurture new talents for the party.
“Hopefully we can perform better in the next general election,” he said.
The future of MCA will depend on Dr Wee, he added.
“This was the first time the party used a broader voting system. More members participated in the voting. The election was more exciting.
“At the same time, members will have to respect the results under the democratic system,” he said.
“On behalf of my teammates, I would like to thank all members for their hospitality and encouragement over the past two months,” he added.
Gan had former president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s backing in the polls while incumbent president Liow voiced his support for Dr Wee.
Delegates from 188 divisions nationwide cast their votes between 2pm and 7pm earlier.
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