Racial policies enforced Malaysia’s brain drain, admit BN leaders

Senior Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders admitted today that race-based policies had contributed to Malaysia’s brain drain problem, which the country needs to plug if it is to join the ranks of high-income nations by 2020.

They were responding to former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s remarks in his new book that Malaysia’s acute loss of talent was due to Putrajaya’s insistence on promoting “one race” above all others.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that the rise of “Ketuanan Melayu” or Malay supremacy had previously caused local talents to quit the country.

“I will say in the past the issue of Ketuanan Melayu in fact caused some migration of people from the country but we want to emphasise that Malaysia is a multiracial country and we preserve harmony and unity in this country.

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USM: Applicants may have failed admission interview

Students with perfect scores but were not offered places in medical courses in Uni­versiti Sains Malaysia could have failed the admission interview, said the apex university’s vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Omar Osman.

He was responding to an allegation by MCA education bureau chairman Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong that there were students with cumulative grade point average of 3.92 and 3.7 who were offered dentistry courses while other top scorers with CGPA of 4.0 were not given any offers.

“We will look into the appeal cases. Special consideration will be given to them if there are places left from other students rejecting their offers,” Prof Omar said, adding that students should appeal directly to USM.

An official from USM confirmed that a student with CGPA of 4.0 was not offered a place in medicine because he only obtained a low band in the Malaysian University English Test.

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Five MCA division chiefs want Dr Chua to resign immediately

Five MCA division chiefs have called on their president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to resign over his haphazard implementation of the party's stand not to take up government positions following its dismal general election performance.

They said Dr Chua was not walking the talk in implementing a resolution, which called for non-acceptance of government posts at all levels.

"Meanwhile he continues to offer random interpretations on the non-acceptance of government posts," they said in a joint statement.

The leaders who took the joint stand against Dr Chua are Titiwangsa chief Datuk Alex Chuah Poh Kiang, Datuk Kuan Peng Soon (Teluk Intan), Datuk Yap Ke Huat (Kuala Krau), Datuk Eng Fook Heng (Paya Besar) and Tan Chong Seng (Kuala Selangor)

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MCA calls for withdrawal of Child Conversion Bill

MCA has called for the government to withdraw the controversial Administration of Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013, which allow minors to be converted with the consent of only one parent.

In making the call, its president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the government should get feedback from all relevant parties before making any further decision on the Bill.

“Public consultation is crucial before deciding on any policies that will affect the nation,” he said in a statement.

He said that the party's stand on the issue was very clear, namely that the Bill infringed on the rights of non-Muslims.

However, Dr Chua expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would discuss the Bill with all Barisan component parties soon after fierce objections from the MCA, MIC as well as the public.

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Sultan of Johor: Stop bickering about Tee’s appointment

The Sultan of Johor wants all parties, to stop bickering about Datuk Tee Siew Kiong’s appointment as the state executive member.
A statement issued by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar via his private secretary Jaba Mohd Noah said – “Tee’s appointment as an executive member was the Sultan’s choice and it was his right to choose his line-up of the state executive council members under Phase 4 Section II of the Johor State Constitution 1895.

“All parties including MCA party members and leaders are asked to respect Sultan Ibrahim’s decision (of appointing Tee) and should stop questioning his capacity as the Sultan of Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim appointed Tee, as he wanted a representative from all the races to represent his multi-racial subjects.

Also stated was that Sultan Ibrahim is not required to seek anyone’s opinion or suggestion before appointing his preferred state executive council members' line-up, nor does a need arise for him to explain the reason he appointed Tee.

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MCA grassroots leaders urge rethink on govt posts

'Party stands to lose out if leadership persists with stance'

JOHOR BARU: WHILE the highest level of MCA leadership held firm to the party's resolution not to accept any government appointment following its poor showing at the 13th General Election, most of those much closer to the grassroots are thinking otherwise.

These MCA leaders who work closely with the local Chinese communities in their area were worried that they and those they were trying to assist will face a lot of difficulties as their party is not part of the government.

Some of them agreed that an extraordinary general meeting must be immediately conducted to recind the resolution made two years ago.

Pasir Gudang MCA division chief Tan Cher Puk said the Chinese community would be badly affected if they have no representative to voice their problems in the cabinet.

"It's no longer about MCA but about the people and community that MCA is representing. Thus, I believe it is paramount that MCA has at least a representative in the cabinet.


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Muhyiddin: MCA’s right to junk decision rejecting posts

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today that it was up the MCA leadership whether to revoke their earlier stand not to accept any government posts.

He said the decision to review or rescind the stand was MCA’s right, while the Barisan Nasional (BN) would accept whatever decision is taken by them.

“If there is anything that they want to review or retract, it’s up to them... it is their right.

“I’m not sure whether it is the time for them to do so, some say it’s too early... about MCA, we leave it to MCA,” he said.


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Gerakan ready to merge with MCA and Umno

Gerakan is ready to merge with the MCA or even Umno as long as the parties change their constitution to open membership to all races, said Gerakan national speaker Tan Sri Dr Chin Fook Weng.

“MCA can change to Malaysian Citizens Association instead of Malaysian Chinese Association or Umno can be United Malaysians National Organisation,” he said at a press conference this morning.

Stating that Gerakan has been a Malaysian party open to all races from the start, Chin revealed that the party had contemplated merging with the MCA if the latter was willing to change its party constitution to allow other races to join the party.

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In brewing MCA revolt, Soi Lek backs Matang-Scope deal

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (pic) denied today that the party was undergoing any asset-stripping exercise, throwing his weight behind the proposed reverse takeover (RTO) bid by Matang Holdings Bhd in a move that could spark a major dispute with his deputy Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.(left)

Just hours after Liow and several senior party leaders slammed the deal at a press conference, Dr Chua issued a statement to insist that the planned takeover of listed electronics firm Scope Industries Bhd was meant to “add value” to the Matang Holding’ shares.

“It does not involve the sale of the any Matang Holdings asset and it is wrong to construe this transaction as asset stripping by MCA,” he said in the statement.

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Wee won't defend Youth chief post

Wing to lower age limit of members, from 45 to 40, for those who wish to contest party posts

KUALA LUMPUR: DATUK Dr Wee Ka Siong will not be defending his position as MCA Youth Chief after the wing's central committee decided yesterday to lower the age limit of members who wish to contest in the coming party elections from 45 to 40.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a MCA Youth central committee meeting at the party's headquarters, Wee, who turns 45 this year, said members of the committee had unanimously decided to lower the age limit in an effort to reinvigorate the party wing.

"We talked about it and we agreed that there must be a drastic change. MCA Youth members who want to contest must be aged 40 and below. Last time, the age limit was set at 45 and below," he said.

When asked whether he was going to vie for a top position in the party, Wee said: "I have no plans right now."

He said with the new age limit in place, several MCA Youth office-bearers, including his deputy Dr Mah Hang Soon and himself, would not be defending their positions in the coming elections as they were overaged.

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Tee’s appointment had nothing to do with Umno, says Khaled

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has hit out at DAP for claming that MCA was subservient to the Johor Sultan after its national organising secretary Datuk Tee Siew Kiong accepted a state executive councillor post.

Tee's appointment, said Khaled, was also not due to MCA bowing to pressure from Umno but was made according to the Johor Sultan's wish to have a Chinese representative in the state exco line-up.

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Transport Minister’s post reserved for MCA, says Najib

The Transport Minister's post is being reserved for MCA but the party would need to amend its resolution of not accepting any government position, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said until MCA resolves the issue, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein would be the acting Transport Minister.

“I have made a provision for the post to allow the ministry to be led by MCA if it could amend the party resolution (on the matter).

“This (decision) is because Barisan Nasional holds to the concept of giving consideration to every race regardless of which party they belong to,” he said here yesterday.

Najib said this when asked about Chinese representation in the new Cabinet line-up.

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MCA’s Tee may face party action over Johor exco appointment

Pulai Sebatang state assemblyman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong might face disciplinary action from the MCA central committee for accepting a Johor exco post, the party said today.

According to president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (pic), the MCA would maintain its decision passed at the 2011 and 2012 annual general meetings to reject all government posts if it does not perform better in Election 2013.

“I would like to clarify that MCA has not recommended Pulai Sebatang state assemblyman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong to be the Johor executive councillor,” Dr Chua said in a statement.


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GE13: Former top MCA leaders call for Chua’s immediate resignation

Tan (second from left) speaking to the press. With him are (from left) Kim Sai, Lim, Wang, Jimmy Lau and See Wah.

: A group of MCA elders comprising former top party leaders have called on president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to quit immediately to take responsibility for the party's poor performance in the general election.

Former MCA president and the group's spokesman Tan Koon Swan urged Dr Chua to step down and allow new leaders to revive the party.

“Someone has to take responsibility. We gently ask Dr Chua to kindly step down to allow new leaders to come in and reform, revive and resuscitate the party,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Among the veterans were 10 former presidents, deputy presidents, secretaries as well as state chiefs such as Tan Sri Lee Kim Sai, Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, Tan Sri Wong See Wah, Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, Datuk Jimmy Lau, Wang Choon Wing, Datuk Wong Kam Hoong, Tan Sri Lau Yin Pin and Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.

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Chua: Putting house in order before i resign

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek says he is staying on to help put the party in order and will leave by December. MCA party elections will start from June beginning with branch elections.

Reconsider refusal to join cabinet, MCA, Gerakan told

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (third from right) and senior party leaders at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on May 11, 2013.

MCA and Gerakan should reconsider their decision not to join the Cabinet, following their poor performance in the 13th General Election recently.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan said Saturday the two parties which represented the Chinese community were still needed in the Cabinet to strengthen the Barisan Nasional government's administration.

He said their refusal to participate in the Cabinet was not a good move at this point in time when Barisan needed stabilising and support from all component parties.

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MCA head Chua Soi Lek to step down sometime this year

Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek with MCA leaders at a press conference after the party's meeting at Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang.Chua soi Lek during a press conference at Wisma MCA today.

Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said he would step down as MCA president sometime between next month and December claiming responsibility for the party's poor performance in GE13.

Chua, who also announced that the party's election would be held as soon as next month, said he would resign when the time is right.

"I would go at an appropriate moment where everything is put in place and in order.

"There are lots of loose ends to tie up before I leave," said Chua at a press conference here just now.

Chua also refuted claims that he is stepping down because of the pressure from the people urging him to do so, and that a majority of party members still want him to stay.

MCA, Gerakan men back Utusan, say Najib should be disappointed with Chinese

The tone of Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia’s post-election coverage continued today to be focused on blaming the Chinese community for Barisan Nasional’s poor showing.

Utusan Malaysia also maintained its defence of its incendiary front-page headline on Tuesday “Apa lagi Cina mahu? (What more do the Chinese want?)” by soliciting comments from Malay leaders to say the newspaper was not racist but merely championing the majority race of the country.

Analysts have said data from voting trends showed the outcome of Election 2013 was not simply the result of a “Chinese tsunami” as Datuk Seri Najib Razak had claimed, but a major swing in the urban and middle-class electorate that saw Malaysia’s urban-rural rift widen.

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MCA central committee members demand Soi Lek’s head

Three MCA Central Committee told party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to resign immediately following the party’s worst electoral performance at the 2013 general election.

Lee Wei Kiat, Liew Yuen Keong and Tan Chong Seng, MCA division chairmen for Subang, Serdang and Kuala Selangor respectively, said Dr Chua is responsible for the party’s dismal showing in which the party won just seven parliamentary seats and 11 state seats out of the 37 parliamentary seats and 90 state seats it contested.

“We strongly urge the MCA president to step down from all party posts, since he has become a liability to the party,” they said in a press statement today.

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Liow: MCA leaders, members must united to regain Chinese support

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was visibly distraught today when responding to reporters' question on the party's fate following MCA'S dismal performance in the 13th general election (GE13).

He said MCA had struggled for 64 years and now the party's leadership had to face the awesome challenge of ensuring that the party remain relevant, especially for the Chinese community in the country.

"It was a big blow to the party in the GE13. What we can do now is that all leaders and members of the party must be united to regain the community's support. We have to come back together.

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