Liow calls for unity as he bids teary farewell to MCA presidency
MCA AGM | Liow Tiong Lai today delivered an emotional speech as he thanked his supporters for backing him during his five-year tenure as MCA president.
"I would like to thank all the friends who have criticised me before, you reminded me that I had to self-monitor and improve myself," he said.
"I am particularly thankful to all my comrades and MCA. Without you, Liow Tiong Lai would be nobody," he said...
MCA AGM | Liow Tiong Lai delivered an emotional speech today as he thanked his supporters for backing him during his five-year tenure as MCA president.
"I would like to thank all the friends who have criticised me before, you reminded me that I had to self-monitor and improve myself.
"I am particularly thankful to all my comrades and MCA. Without you, Liow Tiong Lai would be nobody," he said while officiating at the party's annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Removing a tissue from his pocket to wipe away his tears, Liow paused his speech for a moment to regain his composure.
He was greeted with a standing ovation from the 1,637 delegates at the AGM.
As he continued, the outgoing president asked the delegates to back his successor.
"I urge all comrades to fully support our new president Wee Ka Siong," he said, adding that members must stay united to make MCA great again.
Liow chose to sit out the MCA polls after his party had its share of parliamentary seats reduced to just one after the 14th general election.
Careful consideration
Earlier in his speech, Liow linked the survival of the Chinese to MCA.
"Why must MCA continue to exist? Because it is everybody’s duty to ensure the survival of our race! MCA places racial and national interests above all else."
He cited MCA's objection to PAS' proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 355).
"We gathered all our forces to safeguard Malaysia's plural and moderate political system," he said.
He told the new party leadership to manage its relationship with BN with care.
"MCA must strategise well to come out with the wisest decision. We need not rush things through, but move only after careful consideration.
"Strengthening MCA should be the most urgent (item) in the agenda," he said.
MCA will decide whether to push for the dissolution of BN and form a new coalition.
BN, which comprised 13 parties before 14th general election, was reduced to only five parties.
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