After a three-year political hiatus, former MCA Wanita chief Chiew Mei Fun is making a comeback by going for the party vice-president’s post.

Announcing her decision in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur today, Chew, the only woman so far for the vice-president race, said she wanted to contest for the position to help reform and rebuild the party.

“After enjoying a season of relaxation out of public scrutiny, this decision has not been easy. However, as a member of MCA and from what I have learnt and experienced, how can I just stand aside and watch all that is happening to the party?” she said in the statement.

Chew, 49, had resigned as MCA Wanita chief on April 8, 2010, two weeks after Dr Chua Soi Lek won the presidential election to keep her word that she would quit if Dr Chua became party president.

Soon after, on April 28 the same year, she resigned as senator and women, family and community development deputy minister.

Chew is the fifth aspirant who has openly announced the intention to contest the four elected vice-president positions in the Dec 21 party election.

Others include Chua Tee Yong, Lee Chee Leong, Member of Parliament for Tanjung Piai, Johor Wee Jeck Seng and state assemblyperson for Gurun, Kedah Leong Yong Kong.

For the party president’s post there are three aspirants including deputy president Liow Tiong Lai, former president Ong Tee Keat and vice-president Gan Peng Shieu. Incumbent, Dr Chua Soi Lek is not defending the post.

For deputy president, two aspirants, including Youth Chief Wee Ka Siong and vice-president Donald Lim Siang Chai have announced their intention to contest the post.

The nomination for the party election will held on Dec 16 with election for MCA Youth on Dec 19, Wanita MCA (Dec 20) and MCA main line up on Dec 21.

- Bernama