==> Pls visit new site at http://malaysia-today.net/ <==

KUALA LUMPUR (NST) : MCA has appointed new state chiefs in four states held by Pakatan Rakyat.

In addition, Ng's appointment marked the first time a woman had been made a state leader.

In announcing the decision, which came into effect yesterday, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the four were appointed because they were currently serving at federal level and thus were able to voice the people's needs more effectively.

He said the previous state chiefs had earlier stated their intention to relinquish their posts.

"Since the five states are now under opposition rule, we need strong leaders to motivate our grassroots. The selection was also based on their capabilities, skills and track record in the party," he said after chairing a central committee meeting and briefing for some 550 divisional leaders at Wisma MCA yesterday.

Ka Ting denied that the decision was a punitive measure against the previous state leaders for their failure to retain seats in these states.

"MCA is facing one of its most challenging times. The party needs leaders who can shoulder the heavier responsibilities of strengthening the party and regaining lost ground."

On criticisms from vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai that the appointments were made without consulting the central committee, Ka Ting said the party constitution gave the president the power to appoint state chiefs.

"Moreover, I've told all central committee members the reasons these four were chosen."

In an immediate response, Tee Keat thanked the president for having confidence in him and said it was a heavy responsibility filled with challenges.

"However, I am up for the task and will do my best."

Meanwhile, Lim called on members to look at the bigger picture rather than try to persuade the party to leave Barisan Nasional.

He said members should think of the long-term effects of such a move before rushing to make a drastic decision.

"MCA is one of the founding members of the coalition. We should not leave for the sake of leaving or because we disagree with the views of one or two persons," he said after attending the Selangor MCA convention.

He said Malaysia was a multiracial country and BN needed different partners to play a check-and-balance role.

"To have all Chinese-based parties move to the opposition and only Malay-based parties in the ruling coalition will result in more tension, which is bad for business and the economy.

"Such a decision might be nice to hear but the silent majority wants us to reconsider."

Lim said he would not encourage senior party members to speak on the issue, adding it would be better to wait for the party's new leadership to handle the matter after the elections on Oct 18.

Comments (12)