MCA will carry out a comprehensive survey before selecting its candidate for the Kajang state by-election scheduled for March 23.

Its president, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said the move was vital to ensure that only the candidate accepted by the people in the constituency would be fielded to ensure victory for Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said among the criteria for selection was that the candidate must be a Selangor-born who understand the people's needs and aspirations.

"Yes, we have many potential candidates, but we will only select the winnable one. His or her name will be announced after we complete the survey," said Liow.

Liow who is Bentong member of Parliament was met after attending Bentong MCA Chinese New Year do here on Friday.

Also present was Pahang MCA chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun.

Prior to this, Hulu Langat MCA was reported to have proposed three names to be fielded against PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the by-election.

They were Hulu Langat MCA Youth chief Pang Wai Hoong; Wanita chief Loh Lai Kuen and the candidate fielded by BN in the 13th general election, Lee Ban Seng.

Two other names reported to be shortlisted were MCA vice-president Datuk Chew Mei Fun and Youth chief Chong Sin Woon.