KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The MCA presidential council has been reshuffled with the appointment of six new members to replace six existing ones.

Party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, who also chairs the council, said the reshuffle was done in accordance with the party constitution Article 46.

The new appointees are Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho, Tan Cheng Liang, Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Datuk Ti Lian Ker, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and Heng Seai Kie.

Ong said three leaders - Datuk Loke Yuen Yow, Gan Ping Sieu and Wong Hock Aun - were once again appointed as council members.

Previously, the Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Yoo Wei How, Gan Hong Su, Lee Wei Kiat and Wong Nai Chee were members in the presidential council.

Chor, Yoo and Hong Su were not re-appointed as central committee members on Nov 3.

Asked why the leaders were removed, Ong said: "When I said reshuffle or replacement, somehow or other, certain quarters like to use the word "axed".

"I do not think it is fair because when it is necessary, we have to do it (reshuffle)."

Ong said central committee member Ti would be leading the party's think-tank Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap).

He also announced the setting up of a few new committees.

Party deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek will head a committee looking into direct elections in the party.

Treasurer-general Tan Sri Tee Hock Seng will head a new committee looking into mechanisms to distribute funds to divi-sions.

Another committee, called 1Malaysia Community Care Mobile Service, will be led by Wanita national organising secretary Tan Cheng Liang. Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen is the adviser.

"The mobile service will go around the country and serve all people. It will not be restricted only to MCA members or constituencies," said Ong.