While the party may have sacked him, supporters of Dr Chua Soi Lek are adamant, and even confident, that they will get him reinstated by next month via an EGM, before the MCA Annual General Meeting scheduled for Oct 11.

NONE Chua's supporters are said to be scrambling to mobilise support through a signature campaign they hope to get from each state central delegate asking for a an extraordinary general meeting, (EGM).

They are confident of getting half the delegates' consent within two weeks.

The supporters claim that they are sure to obtain at least one third, which is 800 signatures out of the 2,400 possible.

But they have set themselves a target half to be safe in case there is a sudden change in heart.

The target, they say, is also aimed at sending a stark message to the party leadership of Ong Tee Keat and hopes to raise questions of the legitimacy of his presidency.

The EGM plans to discuss and pass no-confidence motion against Ong for allegedly receiving a RM10 million donation from PKA chief Tiong King Sing, and to overturn the MCA presidential council's decision to sack Chua.

According to a Chua supporter, they have the upper hand in major states such as Perak, Selangor, Penang and Johor.

But there is problem in Pahang.

Ong has the advantage in the top leadership that controls the Central Committee, leaving Chua with handful of supporters such as Ng Yen Yen, Tan Chai Ho, Ti Lian Ker, Khoo Keok Hai, Tee Siew Kiong, Loh Seng Kok, and Por Choo Chor.

Conflict is a class struggle

Yet Chua has far more grassroots support than Ong who is long been labeled as a "lone ranger".

A Central Committee member on Chua's side describes the tussle as a "class conflict", where party members are up against the top leadership.

Chinese press has name Tan Chai Ho as the commander in chief for the EGM.

NONE Tan told media that they have the support of some senior leaders but they want to remain anonymous for the moment.

Media reports have also identified Chua Soi Lek's representatives in some states including Seremban's Lee Pit Chern, Penang's Koay Kar Huah, Malacca's Fong Chan Onn, Federal Territorial's Yew Teong Look, Kedah's Beh Heng Seong, and Johor's Tan Kok Hong, who is a party vice president.

These leaders all belonged to the MCA ‘A' team during the party's internal struggle between former party president Lim Liong Sik and his deputy Lim Ah Lek.

This has led to some observers believing that this is a repeat of the team ‘A' team ‘B' faction war in year 2000.

As for the deputy president's post, it is believed that vice president Liow Tiong Lai, formerly a B team player with Ong Tee Keat, is likely to fill in the vacancy.