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MCA Poll, Live report

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2.55pm Sorting ends. The process of counting starts. Dewan San Choon where the electoral process takes place is empty of leaders and delegates. Only scrutineers and election agents/supervisors are inside.

2.45pm Tan Seong Lim, 44, of Kelana Jaya division says that "all three leaders are capable people but I feel that Ong Tee Keat would be able to bring real changes and transform the party.
Ong Chong Swen, Kelana Jaya division chief gives his personal views. "I feel that it doesn't matter who wins, as long as the top leaders are able to figure a way to work together and fix the party. The party's national elections are due next year – probably by August – and this is only if general elections are not called by then.

2.30pm Liow Tiong Lai in high spirits. The deputy presidential candidate is confident of winning. Youth chief Wee Ka Siong says 450 votes from the Youth section will go to Liow.

2.10pm Ng Chok Sin, 42, Sepang division chief (CC candidate) says "Today's elections shows that the election process is still functioning and healthy. Hopefully the results would reunite all factions and we'll become one MCA. Whoever becomes No. 1 should sit down with the other contenders and reconcile.

2.00pm An announcement says that a total of 2,315 ballots out of the total 2,318 delegates have been received. It's possible that three wish to abstain, the annoucement says.

1.45pm It is decided that the voting closes as all the delegates have voted. Sructineers are instructed to start sorting the ballot papers.

1.40pm A traffic policeman tells MM outside the party hq that traffic control has been well the whole morning along the busy Jalan Ampang. Most have been cooperative and there was no double parking. "As long as it's a single row parking, we can tolerate".

1.20pm Met inside the Gent's. a delegate doing his job at the urinal, complains to our reporter that he couldn't get his lunch, as most of the dshes have been 'walloped'. Upon checking, what he said is true. Only a plate of vege and a bowl of curry chicken are left. Well, don't be late for lunch next time.

1.00pm Most of the delegates have left the party HQ, back to their hotels to rest. One of them says, " during election time, we are put in top notched hotels. At other times, we have to bunk in at budget hotels. So might as well make full use of the hotel facilities la". While others may return to their hometowns, most are expected to stay till the results are announced and enjoy the victory dinners. Others to lick their wounds after the defeat.

12.50pm The very busy MCA sec-gen Wong Foon Meng is constantly supervising the election process. At times, he cuts a lonely figure, observing scrutineers at work, arms folded and unsmiling. One of his staff commented, "That's my boss, he's very serious in his work".

12.30pm As human must take a break, so must the voting. EGM chair announces voting is taking a lunch break and will resume at 2pm. But so far, it appears that most have cast their votes.

12.10pm Some delegates were seen crossing over to Ampark Park, a popular shopping complex opposite Wisma MCA, possibly for some 'private' lunch and last-minute strategising. Lunch is served for all in the MCA csr park.

11.50am Tee Keat briefly tells reporters who caught him near the 3rd floor lift that he wishes to thank and congratulate the election committee for a job well done.

"They have put in a lot of hard work to ensure that today's proceedings go well. "

Asked on the mood of the delegates, he said: "Well, as you can see, the mood is good, everyone is happy".

Earlier, Tee Keat told reporters after casting his vote that he does not believe that he is trailing in the contest, saying that "it is a media spin".

11.35am Before leaving Wisma MCA, Ka Ting told the media he is happy with the voting process. Asked if he was confident of winning, he replied, "Everone has to be confident".

11.30am Dr Ng Yen Yen says she is happy and relieved that things are going on smoothly. "Everyone is behaving well. There is no booing." Yen Yen is defending her post as a vice-president.

11.10am Presidenttial candidates Ong Tee Keat, Ong Ka Ting and Dr Chua Soi Lek are seen on different floors of the MCA headquarters. Chua on the ground floor, Tee Keat on the third floor and Ka Ting on the second, each accompanied by a handful of supporter

10.45am Assembly chairman Yip Phooi Hong announces that 2, 316 out of 2,318 central delegates are present. This is a 97.57% turnout rate. An FT delegate remarks it's not surprising, considering the importance of today's polls.

10.20am Minimal police presence outside Wisma MCA. No untoward incident. Delegates appear civil towards each other

VOTING took off at 10am for the crucial MCA party elections. It looks an orderly process. Things look smooth. The seven-hour process will end at 5pm.

MM
28/03/10

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