KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — With barely a week to go before an extraordinary general meeting to censure his party foe, MCA chief Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has now dragged Gerakan into the ring, sparking a firestorm that could only mean more damage for MCA.
Dr Chua is now on a war of attrition mode with Gerakan after inviting heavy criticisms for saying MCA’s future will mirror that of Gerakan should his deputy and arch-rival Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai become the party president.
The initial statement had angered Gerakan but on Saturday, Dr Chua had apologised, but insisted he was correct. His apology has been interpreted as even more insulting, and Dr Chua has been condemned for making the callous statement likened to a stab in the back.
Perak Gerakan chief Lee Chee Pheng said Dr Chua had broken all rules written, unwritten or implied.
“He has also displayed disdain for a coalition partner in this most trying of times.
How and when did Gerakan earn this level of enmity, and why pick on us as the two parties are like brothers and comrades?”
“I condemn this attitude and I am sure this is shared by other coalition partners,” Lee said in a statement while hoping Dr Chua regrets making the statement and seek forgiveness.
“I also wish that the BN takes a formal position on this unwarranted attack and insult.”
Lee also urged Gerakan members not to be angry with the MCA, as he was sure Dr Chua’s attitude did not reflect that of the overwhelming membership of the MCA.
Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Mah Siew Keong yesterday demanded for a sincere apology, citing anger among his members.
“Many Gerakan members are sorely offended and very angry towards the sarcasm Chua has shown in his insincere apology,” he said in a statement.
Mah reminded Dr Chua that he had crossed the line and that this episode could be damaging to the Barisan Nasional (BN).
“He should really realise that his ill-conceived act will hamper future cooperation between Gerakan and MCA, which is detrimental to BN as a whole.”
