Liow prepares for smooth power transition
BENTONG: Preparing to assume the role of an opposition party, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership in MCA and strengthening the party are among the work that MCA president Liow Tiong hopes to do next.
The former Bentong MP said despite his defeat in GE14, he will continue his work in the party.
“We are preparing to take on the role of check and balance, of monitoring the government and of speaking up for the community,” he said in an interview during a farewell dinner for party workers and village supporters who had assisted him in his campaign.
The dinner was attended by some 500 people.
Many came to thank him, hug him and take pictures with him, with some in tears.
Liow lost to DAP’s Wong Tack in the general election on Wednesday, polling 23,684 votes against Wong who received 25,716. PAS’ N. Balasubramaniam received 5,706 votes.
While ensuring a smooth leadership transition, with the party’s AGM to be held in December, Liow said that he will work towards strengthening the party in the next five years, and would engage with more youths.
“Half of my youth has been spent here. It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Bentong,” said Liow, 57, who had served the constituency for 29 years.
He said he appreciated the locals who have been kind and warm and worked with him for a long time.
He said that he will still return to Bentong from time to time although his parliamentary service centre will be closed down.
“I will still assist the community if they need me,” he said.