BALAKONG POLLS | Amid speculation that Dr Chua Soi Lek is poised to make a comeback to revive MCA following the May 9 general election, the former president has reached out to the party's candidate for the Balakong by-election.

According to Bernama, Tan Chee Teong said Chua had reached out to him in a phone text message recently.

"He sent me a WhatsApp text. He urged me to put up a fight. He wants us to go all out... He will join the campaign if he has time," he said.

Tan was speaking at a press conference today, where he was joined by several MCA activists from Johor , Chua's home state.

In recent weeks, news reports state that Chua might offer himself for the MCA president post again. The party leadership elections will take place on Nov 4.

So far, incumbent MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong and Gan Ping Sieu are the only candidates who have offered themselves for the position.

It was reported that Chua, 71, signalled his possible return over the weekend when he won a central delegate post in Batu Pahat MCA – crucial for him to enter the presidential contest.

According to the Star Online, speculation of his comeback gained momentum after Chua met with the party grassroots in Johor, Selangor, Perak and Penang.

These states hold a large chunk of votes and can tilt the balance in a presidential contest.

The report claimed that the meetings became more frequent after the general election, which has left the once powerful MCA with a single parliament seat and two state seats.

Chua led MCA from 2010 to 2013. He resigned in the aftermath of the 13th general election, which saw MCA fare poorly.

The BN component party, founded in 1949, has been struggling to remain relevant since the 2008 general election.

The Balakong by-election will see Tan taking on Pakatan Harapan's Wong Siew Ki in a straight fight.

During the May 9 elections, Harapan's Eddie Ng retained the seat by a landslide.