MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has called on members to start preparation for the general election immediately, saying it is the perfect time for the party to 'fight back'.

Citing numerous efforts in protecting the Chinese rights with the new MCA leadership, he urged all members to show the party's efficiency, so that the contributions would help to win more votes and revitalise the party.

Liow said after taking over the helm, the new leadership worked hard by holdking heart-to-heart dialogues with Chinese associations and brainstormed together for solutions to issues confronting the Chinese.

Plus, he said through MCA's Cabinet ministers, the party had succeffully lobbied the Cabinet for allocations for Chinese new villages and received a total of RM147.7 million from 2014 to 2016.

"We can swear without hesitation, that MCA's struggle is all for the dignity and rights of the Chinese and we will never ever give up.

"I sincerely call upon the Chinese community to empower MCA so that the flag of our race will fly high forever. For this sacred mission, we are prepared to strive until the last breath we take," he said in his policy speech during the 63rd MCA annual general meeting, attended by 1,801 delegates, here last night.

Unlike the DAP, the MCA, since its inception a few decades ago, has been working for the Chinese community and contributing to social harmony and stability.

"Despite getting only 15 per cent of Chinese votes due to the DAP's misrepresentation, the MCA continues to be with the Chinese, stands firm to strive and serve."

Liow strongly believed that the MCA is a big asset of the Chinese community, and the two were inseparable, a 'swim and sink together'- like unity.

Met by reporters later, Liow said Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (PPBM) plan to join Pakatan Rakyat was only for the 14th general election (GE14).

"It is a 'marriage of convenience.' They will go separate ways after the election. The people knows who is Mahathir. He has a personal agenda." -- BERNAMA