Liow opens fire on Chua

PETALING JAYA: MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai is preparing for a showdown with his party boss Chua Soi Lek, as he rejected a call from the latter for both of them to quit MCA politics by year end.

“It my right to contest for the party presidency and it is up to the party delegates to decide my fate,” said Liow.

At a press conference yesterday, Chua said he is willing to relinquish his presidency on condition that his deputy resigns as well.

He also said a ‘weak character’ like Liow would not be able to handle an aggressive opposition, and claimed that Liow’s leadership would not be accepted by his supporters.

Calling himself someone who loves the party above his presidency, Chua asked Liow to emulate him and step down for the good of the party.

Rebutting Chua, Liow said that he only made the decision to contest for presidency after Chua announced on May 6 that he would not defend his post in the party polls.

“If Chua decides to resign, that is certainly his right.

“However, it is not up to him to insist on my resignation. Please decide on your own accord,” said Liow, adding that Chua may have regretted making the decision of not defending his presidency.

He added that MCA belongs to its members and it was not up to the president to decide on who should lead the party.

“As for me, my service record to the party is the best testimony I can offer. The central delegates, representing the entire cross section of MCA will determine my role. I leave it entirely to their wisdom,” said the former health minister.