PETALING JAYA: The MCA crisis has now extended to one of its largest assets, The Star Publications.

After chairman of Star Publications Datuk Leong Tang Chong was removed, The Star's UTAR site in Section 13 Petaling Jaya may also be disposed of.

Star Publication intends to work with a property developer and spend RM260 million to develop the site into a mixed use commercial complex. Some 1,400 students and teachers may have to move out within the next few months to give way to the project.

After being tipped by property insiders in PJ, Guang Ming Daily has tried to verify the news and has been able to confirm that the Star Publications board of directors have indeed made the above decision.

From the information we have received, two important decisions were made in last Thursday's board meeting: to remove the board chairman Leong Tang Chong and to redevelop the former site of Star Publications in Section 13 PJ.

According to insider information, the hasty decision to dispose of the UTAR site has been made not merely on business considerations, but has also something to do with the ongoing MCA infighting.

It is said that Star Publications executive deputy chairman Datuk Clement Hii and executive director Ng Beng Lye are both very close to MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. They have wanted to push ahead the commercial development project as soon as possible for fear that Ong may not be in office for too long.

"Their move may trigger speculations among the public. These two directors have so much power that they could take back the UTAR site without having to consult the MCA central committee. It is obvious enough that they have the backing of someone."

UTAR council member Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn has confirmed that the UTAR branch campus in Section 13 PJ will be relocated upon the expiry of its lease next May, and suitable locations are currently being sought in Klang Valley for the new campus.

Fong said during an interview that the site belonged to Star Publications. The 5-year lease by UTAR would expire soon, and the UTAR council had talked about this problem before.

He said Star Publications had the right to take back the site for development purposes and the university had set up a committee to look for suitable sites for relocation.

Council not informed

Another UTAR council member said the Star Publications board indeed had the intention of taking back the site for developing a commercial complex, but had so far not made a final decision yet.

This council member, a Datuk who has requested to remain anonymous, told Guang Ming Daily on Saturday that he knew of the proposal by the Star Publications board, but said they had so far not received any official notice from the board.

"Upon receiving the final notice from the board of Star Publications, we will start making plans, including the issue of relocating the students."

Dissatisfaction

While Star Publications is a party asset held by MCA's investment arm Huaren Holdings, its management and board of directors have not been controlled by MCA members. Many in MCA have been unhappy with the relocation of UTAR, accusing that these people do not have a sense of mission for the university which the party had set up singlehandedly.

Insiders said the Star Publications management and board of directors should not take back the UTAR site simply on commercial considerations.

"We hope the MCA leadership, in particular party president who has the power of appointing the Star Publications board, would offer an immediate explanation to all party members as well as the public, whether the MCA leadership has agreed to the board's decision."

Wee: Putting students first

Deputy education minister cum MCA Youth chairman Datuk Wee Ka Siong told Guang Ming Daily in whatever situation, the interests of students and teachers at UTAR's PJ campus should be given priority.

He said he was not aware of the relocation of the university, and said he would only take the necessary actions after gaining a better picture of the actual development.

"I will respond by tomorrow (Nov 15), but the most important thing is we have to take care of the interests of the students and teachers." (Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Guang Ming Daily)