MCA at Crossroads 4

Who will gunning for the MCA deputy presidency?

At last count, expected to be crowded too. Let's have a look at the potential candidates.

1. Ong Ka Chuan - the current Secretary General have not laid out his cards yet but he would not take chances by going for the president position since public perception is against the creation of a "Ong brothers dynasty". Furthermore, his younger brother who is the outgoing president Ong Ka Ting had indirectly gave hint on his choice of successor, current VP Ong Tee Keat. He will stand a better chance as deputy president and after nine years limit for each president it will be his turn to go for the presidency.

2. Liow Tiong Lai - the Youth chief has been on the fast track since appointed the deputy Youth and sports Minister in February 2006. He was elected Youth chief in a 3 corners fight in 2005 where he was aligned to the Team B led by his mentor Lim Ah Lek. His commendable performance as deputy youth minister propels him into a full ministership after 308 election. As a minister it provides him a good platform to pursue higher office in the party but if he fails in the quest for the deputy president, he would be in a difficult situation to maintain his ministership beyond this term. He future looks brighter to be appointed Secretary General if Tee Keat wins the presidency.

3. Dr Ng Yen Yen - this post may be in her thoughts but the winning chances will be higher if she just contest for a seat as a elected vice president.

4. Dr. Ting Chew Peh - this former Housing and Local Government Minister and also for Secretary General lost in his challenge for the deputy president against Chan Kong Choy in 2005. He is expected to try his luck again since he already qualified as a delegate from the Kapar division. He has practically nothing to lose except some bruise image.

5. Chua Jui Meng - this former Health Minister contest against Ong Ka Ting for the president in 2005 but lost. His comeback vehicle will be as the chairman of the Bakri division. This will be the most viable position for him to gun for since he had lost much base since dropped as Health Minister and chairman of the Kedah state liaision committee. He will need his Johorean stateman Chua Soi Lek support to pull through.

6. Donald Lim Siang Chye - he may give it a try but do expect him to be appointed Secretary General if Chua Soi Lek wins the presidency. His base in Selangor will provides him the necessary bargaining power.