Calls for MCA president Datuk Seri Chua Soi lek’s resignation due to the party’s dismal performance in the 13th general election reached fever pitch in the past week and many were left wondering on who would be able to replace the scandal-tainted leader.

Astro Awani’s survey among political analysts found that MCA Deputy President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai remain the most popular choice to take over Chua, followed by MCA central committee member Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Chua’s son, Chua Tee Yong.

The names of former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong were also randomly suggested to uphold the party after Chua.

Independent political analyst Professor Khoo Kay Peng’s top three choices for the party’s president is Liow, Wee and Ong Ka Chuan.

“These are the most senior people in the party and as such can take over the leadership. However, I believe that MCA should start grooming younger and dynamic leaders who are comfortable to service in the current challenging political landscape.

“There should also be change of faces right from the grassroot level because just changing the leadership is simply not enough,” he said.

Centre for Strategic Engagement Chief Executive Officer Fui K. Soong’s top three picks to be Chua’s successor are Liow, Ong Ka Chuan and Chua Tee Yong.

Political analyst Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, from Universiti Utara Malaysia said Liow, Ong Ka Chuan and Ong Tee Keat are his best bets for taking the reins of the party from Chua.

Political analyst Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, who stressed that it is crucial for the party to source out new leaders, said his top three picks for the next MCA president is Liow, Ong Ka Chuan and Chua Tee Yong.

Meanwhile, all analysts agreed that it is high time for the party to revive itself, although the process may not be an easy task.

Khoo said MCA needs to study its position within the Malaysia’s political context.

“There is now demand for MCA’s political representation to be vocal. MCA needs to study how it can fit in,” he said.

On the other hand, Fui said MCA first needs to clean up its membership list of over one million members, keep it updated and take it from there.

Mohd Azizuddin opined there should be open discussions among the party’s members and leadership on the best mechanism to move forward for revival.

Sivamurugan offered another alternative for the party to revive itself.

“Find out why the Chinese community rejected MCA and study the reason. Find out if MCA is able to adapt to the new political landscape where the younger generation wants change,” he said.

On Saturday, Chua announced that he would step down as MCA president sometime between next month and December claiming responsibility for the party's poor performance in the 13th general election.

In the 13th General Election, MCA won only seven of 37 parliamentary seats contested and 11 of 90 state seats.