His first reaction was to go on leave. We will probably have to agree that he needs it. In a statement later MCA president Ong Tee Keat explained that he would decide on his next move after the central committee meeting this Thursday.

At the moment Ong is in a very weak position, having had a no-confidence resolution voted against him at last Saturday’s MCA extraordinary general meeting.

The party constitution says the president can only be removed by a two-thirds majority amongst delegates but the vote on Saturday only gave a margin of 14. Thus technically the delegates have not removed him but the fact is they have voted against his leadership.

Ong’s statement further said he would also be discussing with colleagues and supporters and that he respected the decision of the delegates.

It does sound at the moment that Ong is finding it difficult to let go. The MCA hasn’t been in the best of health since the March 2008 general elections and needs to regroup and rebuild. The acrimonious relationship Ong had with his former deputy Chua Soi Lek wasn’t helping matters and the delegates decided that the party didn’t need either of them to lead.

You can’t think of many names big enough to take over but a new leadership team is the only option. You respect the decision of the delegates? Then the obvious would be for Ong to resign and not transfer the responsibility to the central committee. It’s all about your personal reputation and the image of the party.

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