KUALA LUMPUR: It is reported that one of the reasons that made MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and former Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek turn hostility into friendship was, both of them agreed that “they are victims that have been put on an arena”. They also found three leaders were actually behind the plot.

It was said that on the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) eve, Ong felt something was wrong, particularly when he found that some leaders were uncertain with their stands. With the following changes and “actions”, Ong finally confirmed the so-called third force.

A source said that Ong and Dr Chua did not contact much and they had no private grudge until the party election last year, their relationship has been gradually deteriorating when some people started to sow discord between them.

“However, after the EGM, Ong and Dr Chua, with the help of a mediator, conducted a further analysis and confirmed that two or three leaders were actually trying to reap benefits from their tussle. And they started with Ong, so that he fell into the trap gradually.”

“These leaders hope to create a fight between the two elephants until it turns into a lose-lose situation.”

The source pointed out that Ong blurt out “don't force me to reveal the truth” during the Central Committee meeting on 15 Oct. It was believed to be referring to the exposure of the identity of those who suggested that Ong should sack Dr Chua.

There is no permanent friend or enemy in politics. But hardliners like Ong and Dr Chua were willing to bury old grudges and cooperate only after they have identified the backstage manipulators.

A leader from the Ong faction said that Ong has now identified his friends and enemies and he no longer needs to care about these “trusted follower” anymore. He has greater freedom to do what should be done and decided.

“Therefore, it is believed that those who could not properly perform their duties would be replaced.”

He said that Ong and Chua started to contact, discuss and achieve a consensus on a unity plan after the EGM.

Meanwhile, a leader from the Chua faction said that Deputy President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai fell into today's predicament as he had been “acting too fast”. If he could hold on for a longer period, the probability for him to be the successor would be extremely high. (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)