The MCA president made the announcement at a press conference today, saying that "there was a lot of unfinished work and he and his team would continue to soldier on with their struggle."

Ong also stressed that he could and would work with anyone who ultimately had the interest of the people, community and party in mind.

"We are ready with renewed resolve, to strive to redeem the near lost hopes of our day," he said.

His supporters, some wearing orange t-shirts bearing the president's name, also stood behind Ong to give him moral support during the press conference.

He said he and his people were prepared and were wilng to defend the rights of all Malaysians, particularly the Chinese community, to realise the dream of 1Malaysia.

"Armed with renewed energy and zeal, I am confident we will win back the hearts and minds of all Malaysians," he said.

One lonely road

Ong said MCA was still facing the challenge of regaining the trust and confidence of the people and community that the party constitution and founding fathers swore to protect.

He said the road to transformation and change was more often than not a lonely one that was fraught with challenges.

"I admit that in my zeal to make institutional changes in the party, I took a number of hard knocks and learned a few lessons. But I meant nothing but good for our party.

"What doesn't break a person makes him stronger and despite being battle-scarred during my tenure as president, I have come out with renewed, strength and hope.

"It has strengthened my belief that many within our party and amongst Malaysians still have faith in MCA to transform itself and regain the trust and confidence of the people and community," he added.

Liow: I also have strong supporters

In PENANG, MCA vice-president Liow Tiong Lai is confident that his supporters will accept any post he contested at the party elections.

"I too have my strong supporters," the health minister told reporters when asked what post he would be contesting at the elections on March 28.

Liow who is on a tour to seek feedback and gauge support from MCA members said he would only announce the post to be contested after completing his rounds.

On talks that some quarters in MCA want former president Ong Ka Ting to return to active politics, he said: "This is a new development and needs serious attention."

This showed that members had an open mind about democracy and would give anybody the chance to be active in MCA.

"It is important for us to get his view first," Liow said.

He hopes that the party elections will proceed smoothly as MCA members have to cooperate to make BN strong.