KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Despite being in the minority, MCA Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong today blasted the party’s secretary-general for rejecting another delegates meeting aimed at renewing the leadership's mandate

He said the proposed extraordinary general meeting (EGM) was the way to endorse the leadership which has now made up under a "greater unity plan" after a squabble that split the party.

“I feel if the resolution was made according to the party’s constitution then the EGM should be held. The purpose of the EGM is not to consolidate anybody’s position but it is aimed to give an opportunity to the delegates to give a new mandate to a new leadership,” Wee said in the Parliament lobby.

MCA secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng yesterday rejected the call for an EGM by 16 central committee members aligned to party vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai after another 27 backed the plan that brought together president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and reinstated deputy president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, both of whom are also against the EGM proposal.

Wee also rejected claims that EGM is aimed to defend certain individuals but stressed the party polls are aimed at bringing a mandate back to the party leadership.

“We want to empower the central delegates, people who would call for a fresh election. It does not mean so and so would be elected automatically.

“When you give the mandate to the central delegates it means that when you get elected as president you will get the full mandate from the party members," said the deputy minister of Education.

“I think it is fair game, everyone has the chance to stand and if you think you are the most suitable candidate to go for president and deputy president, and any central delegate can go for the post but it seems that it has been rejected by the party HQ and I am saddened to see that,” Wee explained.

He admitted that he was not surprised when the EGM was rejected.

“We have learned from the previous CC meeting that there was an effort to deny the EGM from the start. So we were not surprised but the open statement that they will not host the EGM is an insult to the delegates.

“I feel we are still with the principle that it is not yet certain who will be chosen as president or deputy but let the delegates make the decision based on their observation; that is the best way,” Wee said.

He stressed the importance of the party leadership to take note of the prime minister’s message that there must be a political solution to the party’s crisis.