VIDEO l 2:04 mins

MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu will contest the post of president against two other heavyweights to date - deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and former president Ong Tee Keat.

Gan declared his intention today at a press conference at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur.

The party elections will be held in Kuala Lumpur together with the annual general meeting, from Dec 19 to 21.

 

NONE Gan ( left ) was once dubbed as Ong’s disciple but is said to have joined party president Dr Chua Soi Lek’s faction after the last general election.

Asked if his decision has been “blessed” by Chua, Gan only replied that the party chief was aware of his move to contest.

“But being a vice-president, it is not right for me to speak on behalf (of Chua). He is at the (Wisma MCA) ninth floor now, probably you (reporters) want to invite him to give a press conference on this?” he quipped.

When asked on Ong’s announcement yesterday that he will also contest for the top party post, possibly resulting in split votes, Gan avoided a direct answer, stating only that Ong is eligible to contest just like any other central delegate.

'Not a battle of proxies'

During the brief press conference, in which Gan merely uttered two lines on his intention to contest for MCA president post, he dodged numerous questions related to the ongoing party faction war.

NONE He, however, denied that his candidacy was part of a “battle of proxies” with him representing the Chua ( centre, in photo ) faction in the coming polls.

“I offer my leadership… I propose my ideology and roadmap for the central delegates to evaluate. I think it is unfair for the delegates if this appears to be a proxy battle,” he said.

On his chances in next month’s polls, Gan appeared optimistic, despite facing two heavyweights in the form of Liow and Ong, and his comparative lack of experience.

Instead, Gan cited British Labour Party leader Ed Miliband as an example, to stress that younger leaders could still call the shots.

The 43-year-old Ed won the party election in 2010 by vanquishing four veteran party leaders.

“Party election is a democratic process, and for sure, change is our common demand now,” he enthused.

Gan added that MCA could not afford to engage in personal spats and faction warfare, and the party needs a leader who is able to bring back the party’s core value.

NONE Asked if his record was “cleaner” compared to Liow ( right ), Gan said he did not wish to comment on Liow but stated that lack of much allegations against himself can be seen as his “strength”.

Last year, Liow, who was then health minister, drew criticism for allegedly bidding for the WWW 15 number-plate.

He later gave up the number following pressure from all quarters, stating that he did not bid for the number plate, but merely requested to acquire the number for his official car.

Meanwhile, on the possible candidates for the vice-presidency post, Gan again refused to reveal any names, stating that as this was today’s press conference was specifically called for his announcement, he had no right to disclose the intention of others.