[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 09 Aug 1999
Time: 23:27:10
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Ling commends move by reps to retire before polls
By J. Sebastian
BUTTERWORTH: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik has described the move by some party elected representatives to retire prior to the general election as "very responsible thinking."
He said that in the old days, one had to "fight to kick out" people to make changes and this would ultimately spoil the party's image.
"They have indicated they want to retire because they had served enough or given their best or because their replacement is ready to take over," he told newsmen yesterday after opening HTH Corporation Sdn Bhd and HTH Transport Sdn Bhd in Permatang Tinggi.
On Sunday, Dr Ling had said that among the elected representatives who wanted to retire were ministers and deputy ministers.
The Transport Minister said he had always stressed that leadership must not only lead but also train (new leaders).
When asked if the party would retain all its nine assemblymen and two MPs in Penang for the coming elections, Dr Ling said he would recommend that all the present 11 elected representatives stand in the elections.
In Muar, party vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng said the MCA would select a qualified candidate to contest in the Bandar Maharani constituency following the recent announcement by Tay Khim Seng not to seek re-election.