LIOW STARTS TO FEEL FEAR: WITH JUST A 379-VOTE MAJORITY IN BENTONG, WILL MCA CHIEF SCURRY OFF TO AN UMNO ‘SAFE SEAT’ THIS GE14

In the 2013 general election, MCA president Liow Tiong Lai was dealt a shocking setback in the party’s traditional parliamentary stronghold of Bentong in Pahang.

The transport minister managed to retain the seat with a razor-thin majority of 379 votes against first-time contestant Wong Tack, an environmental activist who stood under the DAP ticket.

The seat with a 62,266-strong electorate comprises almost equal numbers of Malay and Chinese voters.

As the 14th general election draws closer, there has been speculation if Liow would opt for a safe seat, instead of defending Bentong.

Furthermore, some have pointed out that MCA’s opposition towards the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) has brewed resentment among the Malay voters and Umno grassroots leaders, placing Liow in a precarious position.

However, a party insider familiar with MCA’s election plan confirmed that the president is determined to remain in Bentong despite the risks.

“He will not move to another seat. The president is aware of the risks. But he has decided to stay put and place the fate of his political future in the hands of his constituents.

“Despite the near defeat experienced in the last election, Liow has not let that discourage him and continues to serve the constituency well over the past four years,” he added.

The party insider said Liow has made it clear to those who suggested that he moves to a different seat that he respects the freedom of choice accorded to citizens in a democratic nation.

“The president told them that his constituents have the right to choose a representative of their choice.

“We in MCA hope that the voters will make an informed decision after carefully weighing the pros and cons of the situation, instead of voting based on emotion,” he added.

To substantiate his argument, the party insider cited the recent announcement on the construction of 10 new Chinese primary schools and the relocation of six Chinese primary schools.

“This is what voters, especially the Chinese community, must look at in an objective manner.

“Despite Chinese voters rejecting MCA in the previous two elections, the party and its leaders continue to strive for the betterment of the community and Malaysians at large.

“This does not mean we have no shortcomings. Like all political parties, we have our strengths and weaknesses. But while the Chinese community might have turned its back on us in the last two elections, we never turned our backs on them,” he added.

MKINI