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.