MCA did not discuss Cabinet portfolios with PM - Liow

MCA only stated its intention to rejoin the Cabinet and did not raise the issue of portfolios in its discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, said party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said MCA's intention to rejoin the Cabinet was to help the Barisan Nasional (BN) government to be more effective.

As for portfolios, MCA left this to the Prime Minister to decide, said Liow.

"MCA rejoining the cabinet is not for positions but to shoulder the responsibility of working for the people at the grassroot level.

"The Prime Minister has been informed of MCA's desire to be back in the Cabinet. What is important is that MCA plays an effective role in resolving issues and the people'problems," he told reporters after opening

Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Bukit Siput's arch here today.

Also present was Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat.

Liow was commenting on whether MCA had requested for specific portfolios in the Cabinet.

Prior to this, MCA, at an Extraordinary Meeting General Meeting prior to the the 13th General Election (GE13) which was held in May last year, MCA had decided to forego Cabinet posts if it fared poorly in the election but the decision was rescinded by the party post-GE13.

On the Bukit Gelugor by-election, Liow said the party would be naming the BN candidate for it on Saturday.

"We have to consider feedback from the grassroots first before deciding on the best choice to be the BN candidate from MCA to contest the seat. We still have until tomorrow," said Liow.

Nomination is on May 12 and polling on May 25.

The seat fell vacant following the death of its member of parliament, Karpal Singh in a car accident on April 17.