MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong has clarified that MCA is still undecided about contesting in the Bukit Gelugor by-election.

He also commented on a Malaysiakini report yesterday quoting party boss Liow Tiong Lai as confirming that MCA will do battle in the DAP stronghold.

" Malaysiakini had yesterday asked if the party was not going to contest the seat, and Liow ( right ) replied ‘no’.

"Yesterday was an open discussion. We have a variation of options, to go or not to go as there are pros and cons to be considered," he added.

Wee said the final decision would be made by the president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is the BN chairperson.

Quizzed on the percentage of MCA joining the fray, Wee said it is still 50-50 at the moment but stressed that the party was well-prepared for the fight should it choose to do battle.

However, the deputy president was tightlipped on how many names have been proposed for the seat.

Wee also revealed that a scientific survey with proper research methodology was carried out with regard to the Bukit Gelugor seat, which fell vacant following the death of its two-term incumbent Karpal Singh on April 17.

The findings of the survey, which involved 400 respondents, have been shared with the party branches.

"However, we still have to wait for the decision by the BN leadership on this. Our president also met with all the divisions and has heard everyone's views, and looked at all aspects of whether to contest or not," he added.

Wee declined to reveal the contents of the survey, beyond saying that among others, it contained questions on the implementation of hudud law, goods and services tax (GST), and the perception on the level of corruption towards the current state government.

"Whether it is to our advantage or not, we accept it as a scientific survey," he added.

However, Wee said the voters indicated that they wanted a candidate who is "outspoken, capable and with high integrity."

On some Penang Umno leaders not being keen on MCA contesting the seat, Wee said he is not surprised by the reaction, however, there is also support for them to join the fight.

Asked about the overwhelming sentiment towards Karpal's death, he replied: "The party feels sorrow and offers its condolences to the family."

"But if we join the fray, we have to do our best. The instruction from our president is that we have to move on the ground first, whether we fight or not is secondary," he added.

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed May 12 for nomination and May 25 for polls. In the previous general election, Karpal won the seat with a majority of more than 40,000 votes.