Soi Lek not defending No 1 post

Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Wednesday, announced that he will not defend the post of MCA president at the party elections on Dec 21.

He said he arrived at the decision to acknowledge responsibility for the party's severe defeat in the 13th General Election as well as to enable a member of the new generation to helm the party.

"A day after the 13th General election, I said the same thing. Now, I am saying it again. I am not defending the post of (MCA) president.

"Nevertheless, I am still a life member of the party and will always extend assistance, if needed, to the new leader," he told a news conference after a meeting with his supporters at Wisma MCA.

Dr Chua admitted that he came under pressure from members who wanted him to defend the top post.

"Many of my supporters suggested that I defend the post because they see me more of a winnable candidate than the other three candidates," he said.

So far, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, vice-president Gan Ping Sieu and former president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat have announced they are going for the presidency.

Chua said, however, that he would have to stick by his pledge that the party's defeat required that he no longer have a hand in the party leadership.

He advised MCA members to evaluate the candidates for the various posts in the coming elections based on their potential and not on the factions they represented.

"It cannot be denied that the culture of factions exists in almost all political parties. However, the basis for the selection of a suitable leader should be in terms of the experience, potential and capability in leading the party and not the faction represented," he said.

Asked about his son, MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief Datuk Chua Tee Yong, the elder Chua said it was up to him to decide which post he wanted to contest.

"He asked for my opinion on the matter and I suggested that he gather the proposals from party members before making an announcement," he said.

MCA vice-president Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and MCA Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong have announced their desire to contest the post of deputy president.

The nominations for the Dec 21 elections have been set for Dec 16. The elections for MCA Youth and Wanita MCA would be held on Dec 19 and 20, respectively.