Liow pledges to give MCA new image

Newly-elected MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has pledged to become a leader who will take the party's image to a new phase.

"We must ensure that leaders and members work as a strong unit, without revenge and jealousy, to carry out the party's transformation programmes.

"As a strong party, the MCA will surely return to its era of glory and get the support and trust of the people, especially the Chinese," he told reporters after he was announced winner of the party's top post here yesterday.

Liow, who garnered 1,186 votes to defeat former MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu (1,000 votes) and former president, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat (160 votes) in a three-cornered fight for the post, was thankful to party delegates who chose him.

On cancelling the party's resolution not to accept any post in the Cabinet, he said the matter would be discussed during the Central Committee's first meeting.

"However, the party's constitution will be drafted before allowing the decision to be implemented," he said.

Meanwhile, new MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong plans to attract more youths to join the party to realise one of the transformations which is to rejuvenate the party.

He also expressed appreciation to his rival in the competition, former vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, for working hard in the old committee before the party elections.

"Thankfully, there were no arguments or slander between each other during the campaign period. I respect Lim as a veteran in the party and will seek his guidance," he said.

Two of the four vice-presidents, Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, have pledged to work together to revitalise the party and remove whatever difficulties to face the next general election with confidence.

Defeated presidential candidate Gan accepted the loss with an open heart and emphasised that all members needed to give full commitment to regain the party's glory.