MCA is backing former president Liow Tiong Lai as its candidate for the Bentong parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election, Wee Ka Siong said.  

Given Liow’s commitment, Wee, who is the current party president, said the decision to recommend the former as a candidate for the parliamentary seat was made more than a year ago. 

“MCA made the decision to back Liow (as candidate) more than a year ago and he is the most suitable MCA candidate for the parliamentary seat,” Wee said in a statement posted in his Facebook page.

Liow, a former health and transport minister, was the Bentong MP from 1999 to 2018. 

In the last general election, he lost the seat to DAP’s Wong Tack by a majority of 2,032 votes.

Liow polled 23,684 votes while Wong received 25,716. PAS fielded associate member Balasubramaniam Nachiapan and he received  5,706 votes.

Wee, who replaced Liow as party president, said the latter was always committed and dedicated to serve the people in the Bentong constituency despite losing the seat. 

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, Liow worked hard to collect funds and goods to help those in need,” he said. 

“The voices from the ground want Liow to return as the MP for the constituency,” he added. 

Wee said that MCA will give full support to Liow to ensure the latter wins in the election, and allow him to plan and execute his unfinished business in Bentong for the betterment of the people.  

Last week, Wong said he was ready to face Liow again for the seat in the coming polls. If the pair are nominated, it will be their third time clashing in Bentong. – October 18, 2022.