Hours before the MCA extraordinary general meeting (EGM) today, party president Liow Tiong Lai denies that the meeting was held because the party has been in a hurry to rejoin the cabinet.

Instead, in his address in conjunction with the party’s 65th anniversary, he said it was held because the MCA wants to solve the problems of the Chinese Malaysian community.

“Many leaders of Chinese guilds and associations continue to convey this message to us, that MCA - as a political party which serves the Chinese community - should perform for the best results.

“We should understand that a wide variety of resources and information are important to the Chinese community.

“It is not that we are in a hurry to rejoin the cabinet, but we want to solve the Chinese community’s problems,” Liow ( left ) stressed.

MCA is set to vote on whether to rejoin in government positions - including cabinet positions - later today immediately after the celebrations end, and the venue has been prepared for the meeting.

Liow said one of the things needed to rejuvenate the party is to strengthen its political position, which would include participating in government.

"I urge you to use your wisdom to decide for the party (at the EGM), while at the same time giving the new leadership a strong mandate so that we are in the position to negotiate, and to strengthen and maximise MCA's role in the ruling government," said Liow.

MCA had previously affirmed through several annual and extraordinary general meetings that it would not accept any government positions if its electoral performance does not improve in the 13th general election.