Huazong faces rift over bid to extend president's term without election

Huazong faces rift over bid to extend president's term without election


Published: Apr 28, 2025 4:04 PM
Updated: 6:04 PM


Summary

• The Huazong central committee’s move to extend president Goh Tian Chuan’s term without election has divided state associations and drawn criticism over constitutional breaches.

• Five state associations oppose the proposal, citing democratic principles, while four have voiced support; four others have yet to decide.

• The matter will be decided by a vote among 130 central representatives at a special general meeting on May 24.

The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) is set to convene a special general meeting next month to seek an exemption for its president, Goh Tian Chuan, from contesting in a re-election and to extend his leadership for another term.

However, the proposal has triggered divided opinions among its members.

According to media reports, Huazong’s central committee approved the motion to extend Goh’s (above) term on April 19 and scheduled a special general meeting for May 24 to vote on the matter.

The committee cited Article 16.2 of the Huazong Constitution to justify the move.

The clause states that the central committee is entitled to decide on matters not expressly stipulated in the rules, with such decisions binding on all members unless overturned by a general meeting resolution.

The proposal was initiated by Oie Poh Choon, Federation of Chinese Associations of Kelantan president and Huazong vice-president, and seconded by Lam Kuang Yau, Associated Chinese Association of Pahang president and fellow vice-president.

Wisma Huazong in Seri Kembangan, Selangor


Huazong is the national umbrella body representing Chinese assembly halls and associations across Malaysia’s 13 states.

According to the Huazong constitution, the president’s term is three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Goh, who is also Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah president, assumed the Huazong presidency in 2019 and was re-elected in 2022.

Responding to the controversy, Goh stressed that he respects the democratic process and confirmed that all motions would be voted on by Huazong’s central representatives.

State associations divided

The proposal quickly sparked significant debate within the Chinese community.

On April 21, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) issued a strong statement opposing the motion, arguing that it violates the association’s constitution and the democratic principles upon which Huazong was founded by the 15 Chinese organisations representing the 13 states.

KLSCAH listed six reasons for their objection and called on all 13 state associations to safeguard Huazong’s constitution.

In response, Huazong secretary-general Wong Aik Loung reiterated that the decision rests with the delegates at the upcoming special general meeting, and pledged that the leadership would fully respect and implement the outcome.

In a statement dated April 24, Wong informed that all state associations must submit the names of their 10 designated central representatives by 12pm on May 17, either via post or in person. This will total 130 voting delegates.

To date, five state associations have voiced their opposition: Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Perak, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, and Kedah.

Conversely, four states - Sabah, Johor, Pahang, and Kelantan - have declared their support for the motion.

The remaining four states - Sarawak, Terengganu, Malacca, and Perlis - have yet to convene board meetings to decide their stance.