MCA has ditched the Barisan Nasional logo and will use its party logo for the upcoming Balakong by-election, said Liow Tiong Lai.

The MCA president said the party’s central committee had decided to walk its own path for the by-election, which will be held on September 8.

“After the change of government, and faced with the new political order as an opposition party, MCA should let go of its historical political duty and baggage, and face the electorate under its own logo,” he said today.

This will be the first time the party will use its 14-pointed star set against a blue background in an election.

Liow said he will inform the other component parties about the decision.

Barisan Nasional now comprises MCA, MIC, and Umno, after other 10 component parties left the coalition following the 14th general election that saw BN’s first defeat ever. 

“We faced a serious setback in the last general election and we think it is time that we readjust our own political role. 

“We are an opposition party now. We have to discard our historical baggage and embark on a new journey,” he added. 

Liow said the party has a few candidates shortlisted for the by-election, but the candidate will be announced by MCA deputy president Dr Wee Ka Siong. 

The Balakong state seat fell vacant after the death of Eddie Ng on July 20 due to a car accident. 

“In the many discussions from the central to divisional and branch levels, the preference for the party logo had been very warm and telling.

“This is in line with the general sentiment among MCA members nationwide wanting the party to assume a new identity and reestablish its dignity. 

“This is the right choice for MCA in the new direction,” added Liow. 

He said party vice-president Chew Mei Fun will be the Balakong by-election director. 

When asked if BN parties had discussed a possible suspension, Liow said there was no discussion at all on the matter. 

Umno’s secretary-general had earlier said that BN should be temporarily suspended to explore the possibilities of fostering other political partnerships. – August 10, 2018.