MCA not contesting in Bukit Gelugor by-election

GEORGETOWN: MCA has confirmed the party will not contest in the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election in consideration to the Constitutional crisis triggered by PAS.
Its secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan said the decision was made after listening to the party grassroot feedbacks and current political situation.
He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has been informed of this decision and said the emergency presidential council meeting in Ipoh this morning has reached a consensus on the matter.
He said the party wants to pay full attention to the Constitutional crisis in which PAS has expressed its intention to move a Private's Member bill on hudud in Parliament next month.
" We hope the rakyat understands that MCA must make a correct decision at this critical time, " he told a press conference at the party centre in Jalan Pahang today.
Accompanying him were state MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and other party members.
Ong added the party will continue to serve the voters although they are not contesting.
Ong said the party will not support any other Independent candidates who will contest in the seat.
Mirroring Ong was Chew who said the state MCA supported the decision made by Presidential Council.
The Bukit Gelugor seat is traditionally contested by MCA.
Earlier speculation indicated that a newcomer would be picked to contest for the seat.
Gina Koay, daughter of Penang MCA Bukit Gelugor division chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah, Penang Wanita MCA chief Ooi Siew Kim and Penang MCA Youth chief Michael Lee Beng Seng were among those speculated to contest in the by-election.
Nomination day for the Bukit Gelugor by-election is May 12 and the polling day is May 25.