KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said certain people tried to absue the IT by asking the delegates not to vote for Ong Tee Keat, all done in his name, on the eve of party elections in a bid to create misunderstanding between his supporters and those of the newly elected party president.

He said some people resorted to smearing acts such as poison letters and ill-intentioned SMS messages during the campaign period in an attempt to mar the relationships among party leaders, including Tee Keat.

Ka Chuan said his supporters had persuaded him to react strongly but to no avail.

"I was thinking, I'm not that kind of person and I won't do such things. That's also not my value system. Is it necessary for me to compromise on the value system I've been holding on for so long just because of the party elections?"

"I can lose the election and party post, but not my character and value system."

He also reminded his supporters not to react or listen to any rumour.

He said during an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily that he could take the election defeat and therefore would not bother to comment on who had voted for him or who had not, adding that he was thankful for the 1,001 delegates who had supported him.

He also said during the campaign period he was told by those around him that he was not a person who knew how to please the grassroots with outspokenness. However he was very sure he wouldn't want to act a hypocrit.

"The party post is only for several years, but the value system will reside in me for as long as I live. If I have to choose between the two, I would go for my value system." (Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)