KUALA LUMPUR: Will MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting defend his post at the party elections in October?
The talk among senior leaders and members is that the party's number one may not be seeking reelection, despite the fact that his tenure only ends in 2011.
The first indication came during a meeting with the grassroots in Penang three weeks ago where Ong downplayed his importance and left questions regarding the party's future to vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
Those who attended the meeting took it as a cue that Ka Ting is setting the stage to hand over the baton to Tee Keat. At a similar briefing here recently, members were saying that Tee Keat was a possible successor.
The party's dismal performance at the last general election had been cited as one of the reasons why Ka Ting might not defend his post.
Party members had attributed this to his decision to drop a large number of veterans and replacing them with inexperienced people.
The snoop squad controversy -- a body allegedly set up to take down his political rivals -- has damaged his reputation despite the findings by an MCA panel that it did not exist.
Additionally, as a president who declined a ministerial post, he has been perceived as being ineffective and his efforts to revamp the party have met with lukewarm response.
Ka Ting has yet to comment on his future in the party, further fuelling the rumour mill that he is ready to give up his seat.
Central committee member Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said he had heard about these rumours for some time.
"Most members think Ka Ting might not contest. However, I hope that he will because he's the best president we've ever had.
"If he decides not to stand, the party might be in more turmoil as there will be intense competition for the number one post," he said.
Party veteran Datuk Yap Pian Hon said it would be good if Ka Ting decided not to seek re-election.
"The post-March 8 president is no longer the same as pre-March 8 president," he said, referring to the strong support Ka Ting commanded before the polls.
MCA Federal Territory chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho dismissed the rumours as mere speculation.
"I've followed him all over Malaysia for briefings and he had never hinted that he wanted to give up his post," he said.
