After being removed from the cabinet following the last general election, MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng is back, and has his eyes set on the party presidency in this Saturday's polls.

In an interview with malaysiakini, he said a leader should not shy away from meeting the people and party members. He also talked about the importance of a written manifesto and his visions for the party and community.

Malaysiakini: What are your comments regarding your opponent, incumbent president Ong Ka Ting's decision to turn down your invitations to a public debate on the grounds that it will affect the party's image?

Chua: In every mature democratic election, the candidates especially those contesting for top posts, irrespective of their status, would have a debate.

Were you disappointed?

I was sad. It is the spirit of democracy that when we come to a crucial election like this, people require viable and credible leaders with a sense of openness and a desire to communicate with them. If we say we represent a group of people, we must be prepared to meet them.

So now you have met the Chinese community, debated with Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin, but have yet to debate with your opponent face to face.

Yes, I invited him twice, (to debate) in Mandarin and English but he declined. One of the Chinese newspapers has been playing up the issue that candidates with a Chinese education background have an advantage (in the polls). I don't have a Chinese education background but I am prepared to meet him and debate in Mandarin.

I am prepare to meet him (to debate) using any three languages (English, Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia) because this nation requires leaders able to communicate in all three languages. MCA must always remember we cannot be a 'kampung hero' (village hero) because we are not only representing the Chinese community but all Malaysians as well.

Are you calling your opponent a 'kampung hero'?

No, I'm talking generally about the qualities of a leader that we should possess.