PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: The MCA will go to the ground to gauge Chinese voters' sentiments for the Permatang Pauh by-election on Aug 26, its secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said.

He said the party must gauge the sentiments of the Chinese, especially with the sodomy case against PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"It will be a challenge for Barisan Nasional but it takes effort and teamwork to attract the voters there," he said.

"People are doubtful whether Anwar has been victimised and that is the challenge. We will see in two to three days their stand on the issue."

He said the focus of the party would be to explain the Government's reason for charging Anwar.

He said 11 operations rooms were being set up in the area to hold talks and conduct field visits.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said MCA members in Permatang Pauh would undergo special training to prepare for the by-election.

"Our machinery is ready. We have already set up the operations centre. We will work with Barisan Nasional," he told reporters after launching the Health Ministry's Healthy Cafeteria campaign.

On the possibility of Anwar's supporters carrying out street protests, he said Malaysians were mature and able to think about the country's future including ensuring stability.