Lunes, Mayo 6, 2013

Malaysia elections: Pasir Gudang MCA members quit council posts


JOHOR BARU - Thirteen Pasir Gudang MCA division members resigned from their state government posts yesterday in line with the MCA president's call for the party not to hold office in state and central governments if they win in less than 15 parliamentary seats in the 13th General Election.
Pasir Gudang MCA branch secretary Ang Ah Ngo said the 13 members tendered their resignation at noon yesterday. He said their letters would be handed over to the respective departments.
Those who resigned were members of the Johor Baru City Council, Johor Baru Central municipal council, Pasir Gudang municipal council, two community leaders from the MCA branches in Plentong and Masai, and a hospital visitors' board.
"We came to this decision following the results of the 13th General Election, which we fared worse than the 2008 general election.
"All the members are honouring the promise made by party president (Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek) who said that no member will hold a federal or state government post if the party secured less than 15 parliamentary seats," said Ang.
He said the decision was not made because of the defeat of its candidate, Tan Cher Pu, in the Johor Jaya state seat.
"We will still continue to serve the community through the party. As MCA members, we have to honour the word of our president.
"We also want to thank the state government and all those who have given us their support. We hope the state government will accept our resignation," he said.
Dr Chua had tweeted after the results of the election that he would not take up any posts in the government. He also said MCA members would do likewise and respect the voters' decision.
In Alor Star, Kedah MCA chief Datuk Chong Itt Chew said they, too, would not accept any political appointments or state government posts.