‘Leader must nurture new talents’

All smiles:Gan casting his vote at the Kluang MCA headquarters.

KUALA LUMPUR: The new president must not only ensure MCA thrives in these challenging times but also nurture new party talents, says Gan Ping Sieu.

Gan, who was defeated by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for the top post in the MCA elections, hoped the new chief would lead the party to greater heights during these challenging times.

“I have called Dr Wee and congratulated him.

“I hope he will lead all members well in this challenging time and nurture new talents for the party.

“Hopefully, we can perform better in the next general election,” Gan wrote on his Facebook page.

He said the future of MCA now depended on what Dr Wee set out to achieve for the party.

“This was the first time that the party used a broader voting system.

“There are more members participating in the voting.

“The election is more exciting. At the same time, members will have to respect the results under the democratic system,” he said.

Gan, who is Kluang MCA chairman, noted that this was also the first party election where MCA was an opposition party.

“Those who stayed to vote are members who truly love the party.

“On behalf of my teammates, I would like to thank all members for their hospitality and encouragement over the past two months,” he said.

Gan had the backing of former president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek at the polls.

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who did not defend his party president’s post, supported Dr Wee.