Contrary to expectations, former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik's son, Hee Leong, will not contest for the party's Youth chief post.

Instead, he has offered himself for the deputy Youth post, which now will turn into a four-cornered battle.

Hee Leong, who made his announcement at a hotel in Ipoh this afternoon, said he made the decision after gathering feedback from delegates and members throughout the country.

Contacted later, the 35-year-old businessman, who heads MCA Kuala Kangsar Youth division, said his decision does not mean he accepted the 'candidate list' released by the wing's six-member negotiation team last week.

The team had nominated him to contest for the deputy Youth chief post but talk had it that Hee Leong was aiming for the top.

No deals struck

He also denied striking a deal with the party central leaders to contest for the number two post, in order for a victory.

"We cannot circumvent the democratic process, the power to elect a leader is with the delegates, there is no such thing as a 'sure win' and I have not been approached by any central leaders on this matter," he said.

On whether he had received the 'blessings' of any party leader, Hee Leong declined to comment.

He stressed that his decision was based on the views of delegates and supporters and this what resulted in him taking a long time to announce his candidacy.

As for support from his family, he replied: "This is my job, they don't interfere."

On the same note, he dismissed the claim that he had been aiming for the Youth chief post in order to rebuild the 'Ling dynasty'. His father had headed the party for 17 years until his resignation two years ago.

"This is not the old days anymore, this is not China to talk about dynasties, every leader is elected by the members through a democratic process," he said.

Quizzed on his chances, Hee Leong said he would leave it to the 1,809 Youth central delegates to decide on Aug 19.

To the question if he anticipated a tough fight, he replied: "Life is though, isn't it?"

No manifesto

Hee Leong said he will not release any election manifesto either.

As for now, Youth joint secretary-general Loh Seng Kok, Serdang division chief Liew Yuen Keong and Youth legal affairs bureau chief Lim Seng Chai (pix) have declared their intention to contest for the deputy chief post.

The former two were also named together with Hee Leong in the 'candidate list' - which was said to have the consensus of all state Youth chiefs - to contest for the post.

Newcomer Hee Leong never held any position at the party's central level before as opposed to the remaining three contenders.

Taking this into account, the former party president's son nevertheless does not see himself as an underdog in the contest.

With this latest development, the Youth chief post is expected to witness a straight fight between Youth joint secretary-general Liow Tiong Lai and Kapar division Youth chief Soong Kee Chai.

The MCA Youth chief post will be vacated by incumbent Ong Tee Keat, who has decided to contest for vice-presidency.