MCA president Liow Tiong Lai has been bluntly told not to “speak like an Umno youth chief" by attacking PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim over Operasi Lalang , which saw the arrests of 108 activists and politicians under the Internal Security Act in 1987.

During a visit to Kajang on Feb 14, Liow had laid blame on Anwar for the mass crackdown, pointing out he was education minister at the time.

Yesterday, Anwar said he is disappointed with Liow for attacking him, more so when he had not attacked Liow in any way.

"He is not brave to blame Dr Mahathir (Mohamad who) was the prime minister and the home minister at the time," Anwar said during a ceramah in Cheras.

"He's not brave to touch Mahathir, so he attacks me.”

Anwar also told Liow to "campaign well" and not speak like an "Umno Youth chief".

Anwar will take on MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in the by-election for the Kajang state seat on March 23.

Welcoming her nomination, Anwar asked for a healthy battle that does not run down the credentials of the candidates.

Chew, who resigned as MCA Wanita head in 2010 when Dr Chua Soi Lek became party president, made a comeback when she was elected vice-president last year.