He added that the MCA will provide its members and the local community with up-to-date information on the political scenario and the issues affecting them.

“We must identify the issues, including community problems, which are always close to our hearts.

“We must be proactive. We cannot brush aside lies as they will hurt us. We must answer them with correct information,” said Ong when met at the Kuala Terengganu by-election nomination centre here yesterday.

He was at the centre along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to accompany the Barisan candidate to send in his nomination papers.

He said the MCA was well prepared to assist the Barisan Nasional by-election machinery although the Chinese voters here comprised less than 11% or about 8,000 people.

The MCA by-election machinery has gone to the ground to collect feedback from the local community.

Ong said the party hoped the people here would endorse the continuation of the genuine partnership between the various ethnic groups in the state.

Later at another function, MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the Chinese voters here should give their votes to Barisan to ensure better service and continuous development in the area.

- The Star -