Oct 15, 09 9:40am
Embattled MCA president Ong Tee Keat is likely to stay put as party chief and is expected to appoint loyalist Liow Tiong Lai as his deputy.
Ong, who who lost a motion of no confidence at a party extraordinary general meeting (EGM) last Saturday, will be chairing the powerful central committee meeting at 2pm today.
According to sources, Ong will use his presidential powers to fill the vacant deputy president's post in naming vice-president Liow as his right-hand man.
It is believed that Ong will eventually quit his post at a later date but his decision to stay on is aimed to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Liow, who is also health minister, will have a hard time to fight off the challenge from Dr Chua Soi Lek, who failed to get party support to be reinstated as MCA deputy chief.
Ong did not show up at the opening of the Umno annual general assembly this morning.
The assembly which was opened by Umno president Najib Abdul Razak has been traditionally attended by all BN component party leaders.
Among those at Dewan Merdeka of the Putra World Trade Centre where the assembly is being held were MIC president S Samy Vellu, Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon and PPP president M Kayveas.
MCA however was represented by party secretary-general Wong Foon Meng.
Ong, who who lost a motion of no confidence at a party extraordinary general meeting (EGM) last Saturday, will be chairing the powerful central committee meeting at 2pm today.
According to sources, Ong will use his presidential powers to fill the vacant deputy president's post in naming vice-president Liow as his right-hand man.
It is believed that Ong will eventually quit his post at a later date but his decision to stay on is aimed to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Liow, who is also health minister, will have a hard time to fight off the challenge from Dr Chua Soi Lek, who failed to get party support to be reinstated as MCA deputy chief.
Ong did not show up at the opening of the Umno annual general assembly this morning.
The assembly which was opened by Umno president Najib Abdul Razak has been traditionally attended by all BN component party leaders.
Among those at Dewan Merdeka of the Putra World Trade Centre where the assembly is being held were MIC president S Samy Vellu, Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon and PPP president M Kayveas.
MCA however was represented by party secretary-general Wong Foon Meng.