MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai played down the reported exodus of attendees at a MCA dinner recently during its president Dr Chua Soi Lek’s speech, saying it wasn’t an indication of diminishing support.

“We organise a lot of mega dinners and we have gained a lot of support. In fact, when I was in Kampar last Saturday, there were more than 600 tables. Even though it was raining, the crowd still supported us.

“It doesn’t mean that if someone leaves (our event), there must be a serious issue. It doesn’t mean that they (the crowd) are not giving us support,” he said during a press conference after officiating national stem cell congress in Kuala Lumpur.

According to a China Press report today, about 20 percent of an estimated 15,000 present at a MCA dinner event in Kulai, Johor last Saturday left during Chua’s (right) speech.

The organisers of the event titled ‘Stability above chaos’ however blamed the said exodus on participants leaving early to beat traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, when asked whether Johor is still MCA’s stronghold, Liow said it was.

“Johor is still definitely our stronghold. We are working hard to transmit our message to the people not only in Johor, but throughout the country.”

He reiterated that Malaysia needs stability in order to progress and transform into a developed nation by 2020.

MCA chua soi lek PCAfter the last general election, MCA holds seven parliamentary seats in Johor, nearly half of its total of 15.

According to a China Press report today, about 20 percent of an estimated 15,000 present at a MCA dinner event in Kulai, Johor last Saturday left during Chua’s (right) speech last Saturday.

The organisers of the event titled ‘Stability above chaos’ however blamed the said exodus on participants leaving early to beat traffic congestion.

‘No need for separate act on stem cell research’


Liow, who is also health minister, said there is no need for a separate parliamentary act to regulate stem cell research.

“The Medical Act is enough to regulate (stem cell) researchers to abide by the guidelines.”

He said the current four guidelines are sufficient to protect patients in stem cell treatment and research.

He also announced that the Health Ministry is providing 80 postgraduate medical subspeciality fellowships in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in 2013.