JOHOR BARU: Suspended Pontian MCA division chief Datuk Tee Siew Kiong has announced that he is quitting the party immediately.
The 58-year-old former MCA national organising secretary said that he would not be appealing against his five-year suspension by the party’s disciplinary board.
"Today is the last day for me to make my appeal over my five-year suspension. After making a thorough consideration and listening to advice from everyone, I decided not to make an appeal as there will not be any changes to the disciplinary board's decision.
"To avoid the party from being in turmoil, I officially announce that I have left MCA with immediate effect," he said in a press conference here on Thursday (May 26).
The three-term Pulai Sebatang assemblyman thanked previous MCA presidents such as Tun Ling Liong Sik, Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat, Tan Sri Chua Soi Lek and Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai for their guidance and giving him an opportunity and platform to serve the people.
"Even though I am no longer an MCA member, ending a 40-year membership, I still do hope that the party will continue to achieve success and continue to contribute to the Chinese community and nation," he added.
Earlier this month, MCA deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Pamela Yong said the party’s disciplinary board had handled all complaints against members fairly in accordance with the party’s rules and regulations, without exception.
Both Tee and Ledang division chief Datuk Goh Tee Tee were referred to MCA’s disciplinary committee for speaking up after not being fielded as candidates in the March 12 Johor state election.
Tee was called in for an inquiry after he held a press conference on Feb 25 claiming he wanted to "explain myself to my supporters and voters over the reason why I was not fielded as a candidate".
Goh, who is Ledang division chief, claimed that MCA did not consult the division’s wings before fielding a candidate, resulting in the loss of the Tangkak state seat.
