Former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik said today that the new MCA leadership should be allowed to set the party's future direction without interference from any group.

"Give them time to get hold of things and I'm sure they will do a good job for the party, government and the community," he told reporters after presenting certificates to 276 pre-school graduate teachers of the Institute of CECE Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

He felt that whatever decision made by the new leadership in the interest of the party and the nation, deserved the respect of party members and other political parties.

Behind closed doors

"The MCA must be left to the new leadership, we only want to support them, we don't want to comment," Bernama quoted him as saying.

Dr Ling was asked whether he had given any advice to the new MCA leadership under Ong Ka Ting since stepping down from the top MCA post.

"If there is any advice (to give), it should be given behind closed doors, not through the press, right?" said Ling.

Ling, who resigned as MCA president on May 23, had also given up his post as Transport Minister.