Despite the loss, on 30 March 2007, the DAP announced Liou will again contest for the party in the 2007 Machap by-election due to his  "knowledge of the local terrain", grassroots support, and his willingness "to serve Machap constituents".
On 30 March 2007, despite losing, the DAP decided that Liou would contest in the Machap by-election again. This choice was influenced by his "local expertise", community backing, and his resolve to support Machap constituents.