The battle lines are expected to be clearly drawn on Friday for the MCA elections on March 28.

NONE According to party sources, former deputy president Chua Soi Lek ( left ) is anticipated to make an announcement on the race by Friday.

To date, two have already stated their intention to contest  -  incumbent president Ong Tee Keat and former president Ong Ka Ting.

Realigning for elections

The realignment of powers was already apparent at a MCA dinner in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

The dinner in which Chua was guest of honour was meant for eight divisions, however 12 divisions turned up.

Presiding over the event was Serdang MCA division chief Liew Yuen Keong who announced: "If Chua decides to run, we will support him," to which the crowd roared in approval.

Liew was formerly aligned to former vice president Liow Tiong Lai's faction.

Also present were a group of Donald Lim supporters who chanted "Datuk Chua Boleh!"

Among others were former deputy president Chan Kong Choy and former vice president Ng Yen Yen, however they left shortly after the dinner began.

Waiting strategy

Despite significant support for Chua, he is expected to make an announcement only after his rivals have revealed their hands.

ong ka ting mca leaders pc 050808 02 Meanwhile more than 50 of the 222 divisions have called for Ka Ting's return to the party's leadership.

Ka Ting's (left ) entry makes him the first former president to re-contest the top post.

Last Sunday, Ka Ting strongly hinted that he would throw his hat in the ring when he said he would not shy away from the task if he could help the party.

Chua has however criticised the former president of not doing anything when the party was in crisis.

Presently, the prevalent groups within the party are Tee Keat's faction and Chua's faction while Liow's faction will likely be aligned to Ka Ting.

Nomination day is set for March 22 while party polls will run on March 28.