Liow bids tearful farewell to comrades
KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai shed tears in his final speech to the party faithful yesterday.
It was an emotional, off-thecuff speech that elicited spontaneous applause from 1,637 delegates at the party’s 65th annual assembly here.
“I wish to extend my thanks to all my friends, who gave (constructive) criticism to me all this while, to remind me to reflect on myself and rectify any personal shortcomings.
“I also wish to extend my gratitude to all my party colleagues in MCA. Without you, who is Liow Tiong Lai?” he said as he took out a tissue from his pocket to wipe his eyes, and tried to calm himself before the party delegates.
The former transport minister received support from his audience, who cheered him on.
After Liow regained his composure, he urged party members to give their undivided support to his successor, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
“I urge my comrades to throw their full backing behind our new (party) president,” he said.
He also reminded the audience on the importance of returning MCA to its former glory.
Liow had opted not to contest in the party elections due to MCA’s dismal performance in the 14th General Election.
The historic polls on May 9 saw the Barisan Nasional coalition toppled from power, with its coalition member MCA only managing to secure one parliamentary and two state seats.
Liow failed to defend his Bentong parliamentary seat, which was won by DAP’s Wong Tack with a 2,032 majority.