"If this opportunity is not taken, then it is difficult to gauge the extend of acceptance by the Chinese community or the people towards the new MCA leadership," he told reporters after launching the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme at the Pagoh parliamentary constituency.
"Whatever the decision, it will become an indication of where they (MCA) stand, the remedial measures that can be taken and the basic struggles that they want to fight for the Chinese community. Probably it can be delivered at a by-election such as this one," he added.
Muhyiddin said Chew was a suitable candidate because she was not only experienced in holding a post in the government but also a person with principles as well as having a good character.
"I think it is good that we give opportunity (to MCA) although there are suggestions for the seat to be given to a representative from other BN component parties," he said.
He added that the BN would not give in easily to the opposition by not contesting despite being seen as the "underdog."
"If we do not contest, the opposition will use it as a platform to criticise government-related issues," he said, adding that the BN could also rebuke any allegations made by the opposition with clear and accurate information.
Meanwhile in KUALA LUMPUR, MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the party would stand up to the challenges at the Kajang by-election although it would be an uphill battle.
He said the party would not retreat although there were quarters calling them to do so.
"Based on the results of the May 5, 2013 general election, we are at a disadvantage, but we will display our new attitude in facing the polls. MCA is full of confidence in facing this by-election, and we will never give up," he said when speaking at the party's 65th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA.
Liow, who said the party was fielding a candidate with integrity, urged the Kajang voters to evaluate MCA's credibility and give the party a chance.
MCA will come forward and expose the true face of this party (PKR), by telling voters that this by-election was called for because of a personal struggle for power," he said, adding that it happened not for the interest of the voters but rather due to the selfishness of PKR leaders.
The Kajang state seat fell vacant after Lee Chin Cheh of PKR, who had won the seat by a 6,824 vote-majority by defeating five other candidates in the 13th general election, resigned on Jan 27.
The Election Commission has fixed March 11 for nomination and March 23 for polling.
PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the first to announce his candidacy for the by-election. Former de facto law minister Datuk Seri Zaid Ibrahim has also said he would be contesting.
FZ
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