Liow is new MCA president, Wee as deputy

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has been elected as the new MCA president with 1,186 votes, defeating opponents Gan Ping Sieu and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

Gan received 1,000 votes while Ong only garnered 160.

The straight fight for deputy presidency saw Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong defeating Datuk Lim Siang Chai with a 481 majority at 1,408 votes. Lim obtained 927 votes.

The four vice-presidents are Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Chua Tee Yong and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Of the vice-presidents, Lee garnered the most votes at 1,642, Dr Hou (1,475), Chua (1,343) and Chew (1,230).

The results were announced by Speaker Datuk Yik Phooi Hoong.

Of the crowded contest of 58 candidates for the Central Committee(CC) position, these were the 25 elected: Mah Hang Soon, Koh Nai Kwong, Toh Chin Yaw, Lua Choon Hann, Ong Ka Chuan, Teoh Sew Hock, Gan Tian Loo, Chin Tung Leong, Lee Hong Tee, Kong Sing Chu, Chai Kim Sen, Boey Chin Gan, Ooi Siew Kim, Lim Chin Fui, Tan Cher Puk, Ooi Eyan Hian, Hoh Khai Mun, Yoo Wei How, Ei Kim Hock, Tan Teik Cheng, Ng Chok Sin, Chuah Poh Khiang, Tan Chin Meng, Ti Lian Ker, Por Choo Chor.

The elections for MCA’s top leadership began this afternoon after Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak opened the 60th MCA annual general assembly this morning.

The former MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek decided not to contest following the party's dismal performance in the 13th General Election.

2,352 or 98.66% of the 2,385 delegates eligible to vote registered, making it the highest ever turnout in the party's history.

The last polls were held in October, 2010.