MCA to decide on posts after AGM

Publication: NST

Date of publication: Nov 13, 2013

Section heading: Main Section

Page number: 013

Byline / Author: By Rozanna Latiff

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA may review its decision not to accept any cabinet posts after its annual general meeting next month.

Its president, Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek, said while the decision was not one of the resolutions to be discussed during the AGM, it could be raised later.

"After the AGM, the new leadership may want to look at it again, but it's up to them to bring it to the table," he said after MCA's central committee meeting yesterday.

On Nov 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said any decision on whether MCA would be given a cabinet post, in particular, the transport portfolio, would be decided after the AGM.

MCA had passed a resolution last year to refuse all government posts if it performed worse in the May general election than in 2008.

The decision was upheld during a special meeting on Oct 20.

On another matter, Chua congratulated MCA's new state Youth and Wanita leaders following the conclusion of the party's state-level wing elections on Sunday.

"We hope they will unite to help MCA regain support, especially among the younger generation.

"We do not want them to bring in factional and partisan politics, but work together as one body."

He said the lists of councillors, community leaders and hospital board of visitors to be appointed had been submitted to MCA's state liaison committees.

On 2014 Budget, Chua said the central committee proposed that the goods and services tax (GST) rate of six per cent be maintained for at least five years.

"We have a 13 million-strong workforce, but less than 15 per cent pay income tax. Widening this base will ensure that the middle-income group will not be highly taxed."

He said MCA also proposed the formation of a special committee to investigate government leakages and stem wastage.