MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said today that he respects the rights of any party member who wanted to contest for the party presidency.

He said that whoever was elected must be ready to work with all in rejuvenating the party, and that his role would be to ensure a smooth transition of power to his successor. 

However, he hoped that the upcoming party election would not further weaken the party internally. 

"I do not want to see there is too much internal fighting over the party election. Now we are at the weakest point, and all of us need to work together as a team to transform the party.

"My advice is let's work together, whoever wants to challenge each other, let's sit down and make sure we can be together to reform the party," he told reporters after an oath-taking ceremony for newly-elected office bearers for the Bangi division tonight. 

Liow was asked to comment on former MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu's decision to contest for the top post. 

Asides from deputy president Wee Ka Siong who has offered himself to the post, it was also reported that some party members are also pushing for former president Dr Chua Soi Lek to vie for the post. 

Liow, who will be stepping down in November following MCA’s dismal performance in the 14th general election, has publicly supported Wee, the only elected parliamentarian from the party, to succeed him. 

The MCA elections will be held on Nov 4. 

- Bernama