MCA Youth legal affairs bureau chief Lim Seng Chai has announced his decision to contest for the wing's deputy chairperson post making it a three-cornered contest.

The other two already in the fray are Serdang division chief Liew Yuen Keong and Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok.

Lim told malaysiakini today that the youth wing should make their stand clear on important issues and present them in a clear manner to party members.

He pledged to reform MCA Youth by injecting a new spirit into the organisation.

Lim also wanted the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) to be amended saying that "the act should be amended to allow students to participate in politics."

"Although I do not have the backing of any state, I am still offering myself as a contender. Ultimately, my fate is in the hands of the delegates," he added.

The contest for the MCA Youth top post is also expected to be a three-way fight.

Bentong MP Liow Tiong Lai, MCA Kapar Youth chief Soong Kee Chai (photo) have so far declared their intention to contest the post, vacated by Ong Tee Keat who is now gunning for the vice-presidency. Another possible candidates is Ling Hee Liong, elder son of former president Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Cannot achieve objective

Meanwhile, the wing's six-member negotiation team declared today that its final effort to reach a consensus on a new youth line-up has broken down.

However, the team still released a "menu" that is said to have the consensus of all the state chiefs. According to the list, Liow and Hee Liong have been "nominated" for the post of youth chief and deputy chief respectively.

Hee Liong however told reporters that the list is not a "compromise" and nominations for positions in the youth wing are still open.

He added that he would decide on his next move after consulting his supporters in Perak and other youth leaders.