MCA is set to lose Chew Mei Fun as its secretary-general as she wants to pursue her doctoral studies, said party leaders.

Her resignation, however, doesn’t come as a surprise as party leaders are aware of her plans, they said.

An official announcement is expected to be made soon over the matter, they added.

Vice-president Ti Lian Ker told The Malaysian Insight that Chew had previously informed president Wee Ka Siong and other party leaders that she would resign from the position when her doctorate application is approved.

“We have known this for some time. She refused party posts previously also because she was preparing for the PhD.

“We all understand that she will only be serving until her doctorate is approved.

“After she was appointed, it was on the understanding that it will only be until her doctorate is approved. Now that she has resigned, it must be she has obtained her PhD,” Ti said.

Some in the party have suggested that Chew retain her party post while studying, he said.

However, the secretary-general’s position is vital for the party’s functions and can’t be easily replaced, he said.

Another MCA leader, who wished to remain anonymous, said the former deputy minister has not submitted her resignation letter to the president.

“At this stage, she has not submitted her resignation to the president yet.

“And such matters usually take a while, she may only leave the party in August.”

When asked on who would replace Chew, party leaders said no decision has been made, although some names are being bandied about.

Chew was appointed as the secretary-general after the party elections in November 2018. She is the first woman secretary-general in the party’s history.

Sources said Wee is looking at appointing former MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon to the position.

Chong, however, refuses to confirm if he is taking over the post to replace Chew.

Other names being floated by the grassroots include deputy treasurer Low Ah Keong and former national organising secretary Yoo Wei How. – June 6, 2019.