By Clara Chooi
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha says he is considering a bid for the MCA deputy presidency, in an increasingly crowded field in the party's elections at the end of this month.
The MCA vice-president told The Malaysian Insider today that if current No. 2 Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek decides to contest the presidency, then he was likely to run for the job.
"I am seriously considering it. Why not?" he said with a smile, when asked if he planned to fill the post.
So far, Kong (picture) has been overlooked as a possible contender for the party's second highest post.
Speculation is rife that vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai would be the most likely contender.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Kong is confident that if he decides to run for deputy president, he would likely win the contest and stand a better chance than Liow.
"What I am saying is that, (party president Datuk Seri) Ong (Tee Keat) is the president now right? And he is the incumbent and he will be defending his seat. Dr Chua is the deputy now right? So if he decides to fight for presidency, then that means his seat is vacant right?
"So why not? I am seriously considering it," he said.
The MCA is now split into various factions, and ahead of nomination day next Monday, alliances remain fluid.
The three main factions are led by Ong, Dr Chua and Liow.
But in recent days, former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting has also surfaced.
It is understood that Ka Ting is considering coming out of retirement to stand for president.
His brother Ka Chuan is also said to be in the fray for either a tilt at the No. 1 or No. 2 post.
By putting his name forward, Kong could again force the various factions to reconsider their strategies.
Kong claims he is not aligned to any of the factions.
When speaking to reporters earlier today in Parliament, Kong said that he would be able to work with anyone when contesting in the polls, as long as it was for the good of the party.
He also said that if Ka Ting planned to make a comeback, it was the latter's prerogative.
"He has the right to make a comeback if he wants to. It is a democratic party. But he has to make his own decision," he said.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/56403-kong-mulls-tilt-at-mca-no-2-post
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