MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said at a press conference, after visiting the MCA Operations Room for the Balakong by-election, that the poll would be the first test for the Barisan Nasional (BN) component party after it suffered a severe defeat in the 14th general election (GE14) on May 9.
“The people’s sentiments are still not with us and we must work harder and have added strength to recapture the state seat.
“However, we hope the electors in Balakong will give us an opportunity to be the voice of the people in the state assembly. Let us act as the monitor and provide the checks and balances in the state.”
Liow said MCA had decided on its candidate, who is a local resident. The MCA candidate is expected to face a DAP candidate.
The state seat fell vacant after incumbent Ng Tien Chee, from DAP, died in a road accident.
The Election Commission has fixed the Balakong by-election for Sept 8, simultaneously with the Seri Setia by-election. Nomination day has been fixed for Aug 18 and early voting on Sept 4.
On MCA’s decision to use its own logo for the by-election, Liow denied it was to avoid the BN jinx, including the loss in the recent Sungai Kandis by-election, but as a means to strengthen the party.
“The party is undergoing a phase of transformation. The use of its own logo is certainly not related to the result of the Sungai Kandis by-election,” he said.
Yesterday, MCA had announced that it would use its own logo in the Balakong by-election.