Is the T-L-X theory for MCA party presidents coming to an end?
TheT-L-X theory is to MCA what the R-A-H-M-A-N theory is to Umno since Merdeka.
According to a report in China Press today, the theory, — in which the surnames of the nine party presidents (Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Datuk Cheah Toon Lok, Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tan Sri Lee San Choon, Datuk Dr Neo Yee Pan, Tan Koon Swan, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting) follow the order of the alphabets T, L, and X (those that do not start with T or L), — has held true so far.
Thus, based on the theory, the next president would predictably be someone whose surname starts with the letter T.
But vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat, who is strongly tipped to take over top job from Ka Ting, does not fit in the theory. So can he put an end to the theory?
If Ong cannot break the “jinx”, who among the current crop of leaders whose surnames start with the letter “T” has the capability to helm the party?
The closet candidates the party can get are former secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and central committee member Datuk Tan Chai Ho.
Veteran Ting, whose influence has been on the wane following the end of the Ling Liong Sik era, is said to be eyeing a senior party post, possibly the presidency.
However, pundits do not believe Ting, who made an unsuccessful bid for the party No. 2 post in 2005, stands a chance.
Meanwhile Tan, the FT MCA chief who failed to defend the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency in the general election in March, is unlikely to go for the party top post.
