OUTGOING MCA president Liow Tiong Lai today reiterated that he backs his deputy, Wee Ka Siong, to take over the reins as a multi-cornered fight shapes up for the top post in the upcoming party polls.

“I hope Ka Siong can take over smoothly. Personally, I still prefer Ka Siong to take over the leadership and continue with the reforms,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony for Bangi MCA’s new committee.

He was asked about former vice-president and Kluang MCA chief Gan Ping Sieu’s second bid for the presidency in the November elections.

Gan, a former deputy youth and sports minister, lost the post to Liow in 2013.

There are also MCA divisions backing ex-president Chua Soi Lek, who is also a former health minister, to lead the party once more.

Liow announced that he would step down as MCA president after the party suffered its worst-ever defeat in the 14th general election.

“I don’t want to see too much internal fight over this key position, because now is our weakest point. We need everyone to work together as a team, all of us, to help each other transform the party,” said Liow.

“Nevertheless, it’s a democratic party. We respect members’ right to contest.

“I advise them to work together. It’s important that we stay united as a party.” – August 28, 2018.