KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has called on members to work hard to restore voter confidence in the party.
He said the party’s dismal performance in the 2008 general election ought to serve a lesson.
MCA Youth members, he said, should be united and take the initiative to foster close relations with the people.
“Now, we have to pool our resources and energy to win back the people’s support.
“MCA is far stronger than the rival parties, and by mobilising all party members, our hope of regaining our glory will not be empty talk,” said Liow when opening the MCA Youth 47th Annual General Assembly here yesterday.
Also present were MCA Youth leader Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin.
Liow, who is also health minister, said MCA should have a new mindset and a more aggressive strategy to counter attacks by the opposition parties.
“Social websites, like Facebook and Tweeter, are expected to be the key media in the coming general election. MCA candidates cannot ignore the cyber war they are going to face,” he added.
At a media conference later, Liow refuted an allegation by former MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, as reported by a news portal, that the party was becoming irrelevant.
He said that as a former leader of the party, Ong should give constructive criticism and not try to create problems with the party.
“He can say whatever he wants, but don’t fight within the party. Now, the party is focused on making transformation and changes. We, and the BN, are moving forward.
“MCA is still relevant. Although we lost in the 2008 general election, we continue to serve the people. We never run away from our duty,” he added.
Asked whether MCA was willing to swap seats with other BN component parties for the coming general election, Liow said: “We agree with the swapping of seats, but should ensure that the candidates selected are winnable candidates”.
Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, when asked to comment on Ong’s statement, said Umno would not interfere in MCA’s internal affairs. — Bernama