KUALA LUMPUR: At least three senior leaders are expected to contest to be one of MCA's four vice-presidents in the party elections next month.

MCA's Kedah chief Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Federal Territory chief Datuk Tan Chai Ho have already announced their intentions.

Outgoing Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, who is also the health minister, is expected to do so in the next few days.

Chor said yesterday his intention to vie for the post of vice-president had the support of all 15 MCA division heads in Kedah.

"I strongly believe that there must be fair representation of senior positions in the party. After the March 8 general election, I am the only MCA MP from the northern states of Penang, Kedah and Perlis.
"So, I feel I should come forward and offer myself to play a greater role and help the party to get back on its feet."

Chor said he would strive to secure the support of friends and was confident of winning.

Tan said, at the last party elections in 2005, he had narrowly missed winning the post of vice-president by two votes.

"Lately, I have received many calls from members who wanted to know my direction. Boosted by the encouragement, I decided to go for the post again.

"I have been with MCA for 36 years and the party is going through tough times now. I would like to be a part of the team to help revive it."

The previous vice-presidents are Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek who resigned early this year following a sex scandal, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Datuk Ong Tee Keat who is going for the presidency and Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai.

Both Dr Fong and Lim are said to be interested in going for either the post of president or deputy president.

Other leaders who are believed to be interested in the vice-presidency are MCA Wanita chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, former vice-president Datuk Yap Pian Hon, ex-Sabah MCA chief Datuk Chau Tet Onn and former Negeri Sembilan executive committee member Datuk Yeow Chai Tiam.