Liow Tiong Lai has chosen to stay cautious when asked about his political aspirations in the upcoming MCA polls in October.

liow tiong lai vendor "I want to listen to grassroots members in order to get better feedback before making a judgment," said the health minister at a function in Subang today.

"The only position I can tell you that I'm not going for is party president. That's because someone else is already gunning for it," he added.

As for other positions - the party's deputy president and four vice-president posts - the 47-year-old Malacca-born minister is keeping his options open.

"I will announce which position I will be running for after the divisions conclude their elections," said Liow.

Vice-president Ong Tee Keat has already announced his intention to contest for the presidency, following party president Ong Ka Ting's decision not to seek re-election .

MCA divisional elections are scheduled to take place this weekend. All across the country, 191 divisions will nominate 2,300 delegates to the MCA general assembly and candidates for the party polls in October.

Working towards reform

On why he was ready to move on after just one term as Youth chief, the nutritionist said it was the right time.

"Many have asked me to move on and I believe that I can contribute more if I were to serve in the parent body," said Liow.

bn component party polls 080708 "I've to help the party regain the confidence of the people and work towards reform," he added.

On the higher number of candidates eyeing seats in MCA this time around, Liow believed it was a positive development.

"I'm happy to note that a lot of people have offered themselves for party positions. This shows that despite the huge election setback we faced in March, the commitment to the party is still very strong," he said.

But when asked if he was forming any pacts to face the next party polls, he turned coy and tight-lipped.

"At this moment, I'm still considering the views of members and I will decide on this later."

Take cue from Umno, PAS

On talks between Umno and PAS, Liow said he saw it as an effort to unite the Malay community.

"This is a sign that the party leadership is taking unity very seriously. We want stability, harmony and stronger cooperation for the benefit of the people.

"Likewise, I'm also taking this opportunity to urge the Chinese community to be united. At the same time, we need MCA to be strong and we want the Chinese community to continue to support us.

"The Malays must be united and the same goes for the Chinese. I hope the Chinese too can take the cue from the discussions going on between PAS and Umno," said Liow.