Division leader admits he did not campaign for BN but denies causing the party harm

KUALA LUMPUR - An MCA division leader from Negri Sembilan admitted not campaigning for the Barisan Nasional parliamentary candidate in his area during the general election (GE13), but denied that his action caused the party harm.

"We helped out other candidates. We did not sabotage the party's campaign," said Seremban division chief Datuk Peter Lai Yit Fei.

For the GE13, Barisan's candidate for Seremban was Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Thiam, who is also Negri Sembilan MCA chairman.

Dr Yeow lost in a five-cornered fight to DAP state chairman Anthony Loke by a 12,553 majority.

Lai, his deputy Ho Yok Kee and 18 members from Seremban spent an hour at the party's disciplinary hearing yesterday over allegations of misconduct during GE13.

The closed-door enquiry, held over two days, investigated 48 people accused of boycotting, sabotaging and defaming the party's election candidates.

The second day saw 21 members from two divisions giving their explanations to the board at Wisma MCA here.

Batu Gajah deputy chief Datuk Lee Kon Yin, who came alone to the hearing, said he did no wrong and had nothing to fear.

"I have served through several party presidents. I am a party veteran and three-term state assemblyman (Tronoh). There is no reason for me to do this.

"I love the party and hope MCA will do well and continue to help the Chinese community," he added.

Lee claimed he became the subject of complaints because he held a high profile and is an able person, which caused others to be envious of him.

After concluding the investigations, disciplinary committee chairman Tan Sri Michael Chen said a report would be handed over to the party's presidential council today.

The committee hauled up 27 people from three divisions - Serdang, Jasin and Penampang - on Thurs­day.

"We took into consideration what is in the best interest for the party," said committee member Benson Foo.