National badminton ace Lee Chong Wei has reportedly expressed surprise over the suggestion that he be made MCA's candidate for the Kajang by-election against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Utusan Malaysia , Lee said that he wasn't aware of the rumours that have been circulated over the past few days that Lee could stand in Kajang, since he is from Kajang and is seen as a candidate who can match up to Anwar in terms of popularity.

The suggestion was first made by BN's Padang Besar MP Zahidi Zainul Abidin two days ago.

MCA itself did not respond negatively to the rumours, with its president Liow Tiong Lai not ruling out the possibility when met by reporters after the Chinese New Year open house by the party yesterday.

However, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has issued a stern warning, saying that he would not allow Lee to be used for political purposes.

"Don't touch Lee Chong Wei. He is a national treasure. As the sports minister I do not allow it," he said on his Twitter account.