Dong Zong should emulate KCAH, convene EGM to resolve dispute, says Cheng Lai Hock

Guang Ming Daily, June 28, 2015

ALOR SETAR – Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall (KCAH) chairman Cheng Lai Hock said Dong Zong crisis has caused distress and hidden challenges to the Chinese community. KCAH hoped the two rival factions of Dong Zong can resolve the internal conflict as soon as possible and convene an extraordinary meeting (EGM) to discuss how to rebuild new leadership.

He said since the conflict was still in a deadlock despite both factions have had rounds of discussions and even brought up the issue to the court, the best option is to resolve the issue by convening an EGM.

“KCAH had an internal crisis in 2008. At that time, KCAH honorary advisor Chek Lin Kwai convened a meeting to call on the dissolution of the committee and re-elected new members. It is hoped that Dong Zong could do the same.”

Disagrees on joint signature to take side

Cheng Lai Hock is also Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia) deputy president, he made the above comment in his speech at KCAH AGM Saturday. He hoped both factions will uphold the principles of protecting Chinese education, respect the principles of democratic procedures, put aside personal grudges and resolve the problem as soon as possible.

“It is inconvenient for us to criticize any faction, we do not agree on stating our stands through signing a joint statement, because we should not interfere in other organisation’s operation. However, we hope both rival factions of Dong Zong will seek for a solution to the issue as soon as possible so that the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) exam will not be affected.”

Besides, he also mentioned that KCAH will continue to promote the construction of an Information Centre through collective effort, it will invite public intellectuals to participate in the collection, research, publication and conservation work.

“After experiencing the changes in people and things over the years, many associations have lost information about their organisations after several years. KCAH wanted to manage the data using a professional way.”

He urged all organisations to hand over their information to the Chinese Assembly Hall (CAH). Even if they are not able to submit the original copy, a duplicate should be sent to CAH so CAH can collect all data that contributes to the Chinese community and local development.

He also mentioned that KCAH had invested RM207,000 to install solar power facilities last year and was able to generate RM50,000 in profit. The facility will continue generate income in the next 21 years.

Generates income for the next 21 years

“The income can be used to cover the expenses of KCAH’s activities, including cultural, welfare, Chinese music, He Le experimental music lab and others. At the same time, RM5,000 will be allocated to the Youth wing and Women’s section each year, we hoped they will use the funding to hold healthy events.”

KCAH AGM also passed a motion to urge Dong Zong leadership to convene an EGM as soon as possible and resolve the conflict through a fresh election. Other motions passed at the AGM include urging the police to increase patrol, calling on the government to implement effective measures to stop the worsening fraud and corruption situations and increase the ratio of Chinese civil servants as well as use performance-based evaluation to determine civil servants’ promotion. Also present at the meeting include KCAH deputy chairman Tan Son Lee, vice chairman Chen Guo Xiang (translated name), Tan Chin Seang, treasurer Oon Pheng Koon and chief coordinator Phang Fatt Khow.

Original Source: 钟来福：盼董总仿效吉华堂‧开特大最好解决纷爭方式