Dr Chua Soi Lek has confirmed that he is not contesting for the MCA presidency in the upcoming party polls.

According to him, the decision was based on his love for the party which he had led from 2010 to 2013.

"To win the party election and become the president is the easy part.

"The more difficult part, which is a big challenge, is how to turn and transform MCA as an effective opposition party," he told a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

Chua, who said he is happily retired, believes that the challenging task should be spearheaded by someone else.

"So, in other words, I made this decision as I love the party more than I love the presidency.

"If I am a selfish guy, I would go and fight. I (will) win, but that is a meaningless victory to me," he added.

He noted how the party grassroots had approached him and encouraged him to contest the top post in MCA.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini quoted sources close to Chua as confirming that he would not vie for the presidency. 

Meanwhile, Chua said party president Liow Tiong Lai and his deputy Wee Ka Siong should look into themselves in retrospect as far as the leadership is concerned.

"Be realistic. A political retiree (like me) who has no resource and power, cannot play (any role) in these political factions. Why did the grassroots still approached me and encouraged me to stand for the president's post?

"This has proved that they have not done the right thing, and it showed that I have the charisma.

"They should look into themselves, don't hate me. They should become my good friends and hope that I can teach them some tricks. I will do it for free," he said jokingly.