Important for Mah to have ministerial post - Liow

Being the president of Gerakan, a component party in Barisan Nasional (BN), it is important for Datuk Mah Siew Keong to have a ministerial position in the Cabinet, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

Following the former’s victory in the Teluk Intan by-election yesterday, Liow said Mah fully deserved the position and glory.

"The success in Teluk Intan proves that Chinese voters are returning to the BN. In light of this, MCA and Gerakan will form a stronger team for a stronger leadership for the people," he said when contacted today.

In a media statement earlier, Liow said it was necessary for BN to strengthen its ties with the people to ensure all citizens enjoy equal opportunities in all fields, and that sustainable development continues.

"In this by-election, we have seen a return of the Chinese votes to BN, signalling that the Chinese community has renewed its hopes in the coalition. In response, MCA will hasten its transformation programme to continue to win back support from the Chinese community," he said.

Liow said MCA is currently promoting a 'Stronger Together' campaign in remaining competitive and relevant through transformation.

Yesterday, Mah emerged as winner in the Teluk Intan by-election after defeating DAP's young candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 27, with a majority of 238 votes.

Mah garnered 20,157 votes while Dyana Sofya received 19,919 votes.

Political analysts had said that although Mah was the best man for the job, they predicted that Dyana Sofya was tipped to win the close contest.

Meanwhile, in the statement, Liow expressed his gratitude as MCA was given the opportunity to take part in the visit to China along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak which he portrayed it to be a 'historic and meaningful visit'.

He said, MCA in turn will do its part to actively promote and enhance the ties between Malaysia and China in the fields of politics, culture, economy, trade, and education.