KUANTAN: MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat, who is contesting the president's post, said yesterday he would not name his running mate in order to avoid creating factions in the party.

He said it was not helpful for the MCA to have factions in the present situation and it was important for members to preserve democracy in the party.

"I don't practise favouritism and it has also been my style to avoid confrontation.

"I also don't favour factions and hypocrites," he said when asked whether he would endorse a candidate for the deputy president post.

He said he had difficulty in finding a person who thinks like him, but that would not stop him from cooperating with others.
"In politics, it is important that we can agree to disagree, and come to a decision that can satisfy the majority."

Tee Keat, who is the Transport Minister, had earlier witnessed the installation of new committee members at the state Federation of Chinese Associations and state Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

On Friday, he announced his decision to go for the top party post.

Incumbent Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting is not seeking re-election.

There is speculation that MCA secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai will offer themselves for the deputy post.

Tee Keat said his decision to contest for the top post was made without any influence from other people.

"I hold firm to my principles on this matter.

"I will not follow others, I will not comment on other aspiring candidates and I will not back off after making my decision known."

Tee Keat won the vice-presidency in the 2005 party elections without joining any team.