Wee, who was a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department under the Barisan Nasional government, said since joining MCA in 1992 he had contested in numerous party elections.

“But I’ve never received the blessings of Chua. This time is no exception, as expected, but I am still respectful of his choice and I am open to his ideas and views,” the MCA deputy president said in a Facebook post.

Earlier today, Chua, who was the health minister from 2004 to 2008, said former MCA ministers and deputy ministers should not run for the presidency and other important central posts in the party’s upcoming election.

“I feel that all the three ministers and four deputy ministers of the previous administration, and that includes (my son) Chua Tee Yong, should not contest at all,” he said in a statement.

But Wee said that as a democratic political party, MCA respected the views of every party member and the choice made by representatives with voting rights.

“I also welcome anyone with political ambitions to stand in the party elections to fight for the party’s future and to contribute towards the party’s political discourse and transformation agenda.”