KAJANG: MCA believes that voters will be able to recognise its party symbol when it contests the upcoming Balakong by-election because of its long service to the people, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Addressing concerns that voters may be more familiar with the Barisan Nasional logo, the MCA president said it would not be an issue because the party has been serving Malaysians of all races since its birth 69 years ago.

“Plus, it is Pakatan Harapan that is using its new logo (for this by-election),” he added.

Liow said the party did not inform Umno and MIC – its Barisan partners – of its decision before announcing it.

“But we will inform them of our move so that they will give us their support,” he added.

The logo decision, he said, was not due to Umno’s defeat in the recent Sungai Kandis by-election, where the party contested under the Barisan banner.

Liow said the move to use its own logo in the Balakong by-election is part of the party’s reforms after the polls. Barisan was ousted in the 14th General Election after being in power for 61 years.

“We will focus on our own reforms before we have further discussions on the direction of Barisan.

“This is the same for the other component parties,” he said.

Liow said although MCA is seen as the “underdog” in the Balakong by-election, the party is duty-bound to field a candidate.

He said the party shortlisted four names. His deputy Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong will announce the candidate next week.

Liow urged Balakong voters to support the MCA candidate so that the party can provide a check and balance in the Selangor state assembly.

“The by-election is also an opportunity for MCA to gather itself, listen to the people and learn from its defeat,” he said.

Nomination for the Balakong by-election is on Aug 18 and polling on Sept 8.

Ng, who had retained the seat for a second term with a 35,538-vote majority, died in a traffic accident on July 20.

-The Star-