PETALING JAYA: Former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai has received his party's endorsement to contest the Bentong parliamentary seat.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said every member of the party had vowed to support Liow to wrest back the seat in the upcoming 15th General Election.
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He said the decision was made about one-and-a-half years ago.
“Liow is the most qualified MCA candidate for the Bentong seat,” said Dr Wee in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 18).
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Despite losing the seat in GE14, Dr Wee said Liow had continued servicing constituents in Bentong during the floods last December and the fire at Kampung Baru Karak in October last year.
“He remained in the frontlines to help the victims.
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“When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Liow also did his best in collecting funds and resources to assist the people,” he said.
Dr Wee also said Liow has maintained good relations with various associations and local non-governmental organisations, as well as other Barisan Nasional component parties.
At the same time, Dr Wee also noted that there was a strong call by local voters for Liow to return as an MP in Bentong, given his contributions during his four-term tenure as MP.
Dr Wee also described the recent remarks made by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on “collecting bullets” against the former MCA president as arrogant.
“It was sad that it came out from a leader who does not respect the democratic doctrine.
“All of MCA members will give their unwavering support to ensure Liow’s victory in Bentong, so he could implement ongoing plans and tasks, bring about prosperity to locals and ensure that development in that constituency is realigned to the right track,” said Dr Wee.
Liow was Bentong MP from 1999 to 2018.
The Election Commission will announce dates for nomination day and polling day on Thursday (Oct 20).