KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai announced today that he will contest the deputy presidency in the MCA elections next Sunday.

He said his 29 years in the MCA was a "very strong ground" for him to vie for the post, especially now that the party was in urgent need of resolving its internal crisis.

"Now, at this critical juncture, when the party is looking for a solution to its internal conflict, I feel that it is my duty to step forward to take up the responsibility to the party," he told a news conference at Wisma MCA, here.

The news conference was attended by some 60 of his staunch supporters, including MCA Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, MCA Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, vice-president aspirant Datuk Chor Chee Heung and Wong Nai Chee.

Liow, a former vice-president, pledged to readily work with the party leadership to reinforce the party's position so that it can confidently face the next general election.

"The objective of this elections is to choose leaders with calibre and not to promote personal agenda. I hope delegates will vote according to what is best for the party based on their decision on the ability and sincerity of the candidates -- not according to factions and alliances," he said.

Liow is one of the key party leaders who has been calling for fresh party polls following the upheaval in the party after the extraordinary general assembly on Oct 10 last year.

Asked whether he was teaming up with former president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, who is going for the presidency, he said: "Our objective is to love the party."

Besides Liow, former vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who is Housing and Local Government Minister, is going for the No. 2 post.

Asked about risking his ministerial post if he loses the elections, Liow said that matter had not crossed his mind and added that the party's future should come before self.

Nominations for the March 28 elections will be held tomorrow, from 1pm to 5pm, at Wisma MCA.