MCA is a democratic party that respects the views of every party member and the choice made by representatives with voting rights, party presidential hopeful Wee Ka Siong said today.

He was responding to former MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek who in an interview with the media earlier today, urged former MCA ministers and deputy ministers in the previous administration to not run for the presidency and other important central posts in the party's upcoming election.

This is because of all the corruption scandals linked to the government, he said. Chua has also denied gunning for the presidency, despite having been approached by the grassroots to do so.

"Since joining MCA in 1992, I've participated in numerous party elections on different levels and I've never received the blessings of Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek,” said Wee.

“This time is no exception, as expected, but I am still respectful of his choice and I am open to his ideas and views. MCA's future lies in its ability to be an effective force and in its determination to transform.

"I welcome anyone with political ambitions to stand in the party elections to fight for the party's future and to contribute towards the party's political discourse and transformation agenda."

Chua, who is a former health minister, said he would support Kluang division chief Gan Peng Sieu if the latter runs for the presidency and would even campaign for Gan if he was asked to.

Chua also endorsed his lieutenant and Johor MCA deputy chief Tee Siew Kiong's decision to run for the deputy presidency.