The MCA extraordinary general meeting (EGM) today passed a resolution to change the party's election voting system to allow some 33,000 divisional delegates to elect the top leadership.

The resolution was agreed by 1,800 central delegates present at Wisma MCA tonight, who voted for it by a show of hands.

Of the total 1,801 attendees, only one refused to vote for the motion.

MCA Speaker Datuk Yip Phooi Hong who presided over the meeting had offered options for the delegates to either vote via a show of hands or secret ballot.

Earlier, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who proposed the resolution, said the proposed new election system would allow 32,825 delegates from 188 divisions, to choose central leaders at designated voting centres.

Under the existing voting system, the leaders are elected by 2,400 central delegates during the party election, which is held every three years during its annual general meeting (AGM).

The MCA last amended its constitution in 2012 to allow the party election to be postponed by 36 months, instead of 42 months, of the last general election.

In 2004, the constitution was amended to specify that the president could serve not more than nine years or three terms.

Earlier, Liow in his policy speech called on all central delegates to wholeheartedly support to approve the motion.

He said it is to move the party forward into another development phase, and to complate party's transformation plan and revitalise the party. -- BERNAMA