KUALA LUMPUR: Besides the subplots of betrayal, treachery and about-turns in the MCA drama, tears were thrown in for good measure during a second press conference today.

In what has now become a customary practice in MCA, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Youth chief Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong held another press conference after president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had his.

Midway during the press conference, Chew — while pleading to delegates to attend the Nov 28 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) — burst into tears.

"We need a strong turnout at the EGM for the sake of democracy," said the deputy women, family and community development minister.

Chew could not hold back the tears as she described the sadness she felt after she was dropped from the presidential council by Ong.

Her counterpart Wee was also seen tearing up, although Liow managed to remain calm.

According to Wee, this was the first time that a Youth and Wanita chief have been dropped from the presidential council.

"Although Ong was in disagreement with the then president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik when he was the Youth chief, his position in the presidential council was intact," said the deputy minister of education.

Earlier, Liow had likened Ong's actions during the central commitee (CC) meeting to a "slash and burn" method.

"The meeting today was enough to make our hearts bleed," said Liow, who is calling for an EGM on Nov 28.

"MCA is now a family at war, and the president's 'slash and burn' methods are the last straw," said the health minister.

Liow alleged that Ong's latest reshuffle of the presidential council was a way to elect his "own people" and eject those who disagreed with him.

At MCA's CC meeting today, Ong replaced all the presidential council members who had requisitioned for an EGM.

On Nov 3, Ong also sacked four appointed CC members — Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Chai Kim Seng, Yoo Wei Hou and Gan Hong Su.

The four were among 16 who had called for an EGM to provide for fresh party polls and nullify all appointments and terminations made by Ong after Oct 10.

"MCA delegates must now rise up to uphold democratic principles. They must come in huge numbers to the EGM on Nov 28," he added.