KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA Integrity Restoring Taskforce (MIRT), the group of elected central committee (CC) members who had quit their posts last October to call for fresh party elections, has disbanded, pledging support for their leader Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai's bid for the deputy presidency.

MIRT spokesperson Wong Nai Chee said Liow represented "a new generation of leaders" who were committed to building the party for the people.

"He is moderate and holistic in handling matters," Wong told a press conference as nominations were in progress at the MCA headquarters on Monday, March 22. Party elections are on March 28.

"We fully support Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in his candidacy for the deputy presidency, and we have full confidence that he has sufficient ability and enthusiasm for the job," said Wong, a former CC member.

The group welcomed former MCA president Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting's bid for the presidency, said Wong, who believed that Ong's return would put the party back on its feet.

"We respect him (Ka Ting) greatly for coming forward — he has so much to lose and there is no turning back. At this juncture, he has shown courage and determination in bearing personal risks about the outcome for the election, for the sake of the party." Wong said.

Asked if MIRT was endorsing Ka Ting for the presidency, Wong replied: "I am not in a position to endorse anybody. What we are trying to say is we are having the same concept with Tan Sri (Ong Ka Ting), the concept of moderation. We endorse that kind of approach."

He said the group found it difficult to accept the unfair accusations made against Ka Ting as the former president had taken "full responsibility" for MCA's failure in the last general election and made way for other capable leaders.

"He (Ka Ting) has made it clear that he is not a leader who clings on to power," he said.

Announcing the dissolution of MIRT, Wong said its efforts had been rewarded with Monday's nominations for the new polls. The task force had been "resolutely fighting" for fresh elections as the best solution to resolve MCA's crisis, he said.

"Our mission has been accomplished and with this, we have resolved to dissolve MIRT to ensure the unity of our party after the election and to leave factional fighting in the past," he said.