Liow distraught over MCA’S fate following polls drubbing

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was visibly distraught yesterday when responding to reporters’ question on the party’s fate following MCA’s dismal performance in the 13th general election (GE13).

He said MCA had struggled for 64 years and now the party’s leadership had to face the awesome challenge of ensuring that the party remain relevant, especially for the Chinese community in the country.

“It was a big blow to the party in the GE13. What we can do now is that all leaders and members of the party must be united to regain the community’s support. We have to come back together.

“I pray the party can overcome the challenge. I believe we can go through the challenge ... I really hope we can be united,” he said, his voice choking, and then turned his back.

When he turned around, the reporters present could see tears had welled in his eyes. Earlier, Liow had a special meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib

It was a big blow to the party in the GE13. What we can do now is that all leaders and members of the party must be united to regain the community’s support. We have to come back together. Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, MCA deputy president

Tun Razak with Barisan Nasional ( BN) members of parliament, here.

In the just-concluded GE13, MCA only won seven parliamentary seats out of 37 and 11 state seats out of 90 it contested.

The results were worse for MCA this time compared to that in 2008, where it won 15 parliamentary seats out of 40 and 32 state seats out of 90 it contested.

On MCA’s decision not to be part of the cabinet following this, Liow said he respected the decision already made by the party’s top leadership.

“If offered (cabinet posts) by the prime minister, we will refer the matter to our party president ( Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek) to decide.

“However,

Iwill

respect whatever decision made after this,” he said.

Liow said the party needed to study and improve on their ( party leaders and members) role in future to win back the Chinese community’s support for MCA.

“Whatever it is, we will not keep quiet but will continue to look after the lot of the Chinese community and to ensure political stability and racial harmony in this country,” he said.

On Monday, Dr Chua reiterated that the party would not be accepting any post at the state or federal level as agreed upon at its extraordinary general meeting last year.

Dr Chua will also not be defending his party post in the MCA election scheduled for this year. — Bernama