KUALA LUMPUR – Former MCA president Ong Ka Ting said today that he will contest for the MCA party presidency during the March 28 central committee elections .

He said the decision to contest for the top post was made after discussing with party delegates, veterans and members.

There had been strong rumours that Ka Ting would seek to resurrect his political career by making a comeback and make a bid for the MCA presidency.

The MCA has been riddled with political problems after factions led by vice president Liow Tiong Lai, Youth Chief Wee Ka Siong and their supporters revolted against party president Ong Tee Keat.

Did not want to seek re-election but...

Ka Ting said though he had promised that he would not seek re-election, the current state of affairs with the party has made him reconsider.

"Good governance and collective leadership, practised and advocated by my team during my presidency, have become almost entirely a thing of the past as soon as I have retired," he said in media statement today.

"I'd be selfish if I stayed out," the statement added.

Greatly embarrassed if he fails

He claimed that there was therefore, an urgent need for these weaknesses to be quickly addressed and rectified," he said.

Ka Ting also said that the party had also been plagued by in-fighting ever since the Oct 18, 2008 party elections, which he said "brought shame to MCA and its supporters. "

Given the circumstances, Ka Ting said he could have "taken the easy way out" and stayed out because he would be greatly embarrassed should he fail to win the presidency.

Three-horse race expected

Ka Ting is the first person to announce his intention to challenge Ong Tee Keat as party president.

Ong had announced last week that he would defend his post.

Former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek is expected to announce his candidacy on Friday making it a three-horse race.