DPM embarks on 7-day mission to fix MCA

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he is giving himself one week to find a solution to the MCA leadership crisis.

He said a formula would be drawn up during that period to reach a consensus among the disputing party leaders.

He said a series of meetings had been held with several party leaders to discuss the crisis in greater detail.

"The task is not easy because it involves the interest of the party as well as that of the nation," he told reporters.

He said he was given the mandate by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to tackle the problem by implementing pro-active measures as soon as possible to prevent the crisis from becoming worse.

"I've held a series of discussion, not with everyone, but certain individuals and I will continue with the discussion, if possible before the prime minister returns home (from abroad).

"At the same time, I'll continue to accept suggestions from the Chinese community leaders who have also voiced their opinion and observation on the crisis," he said.

The deputy premier's remark comes five days ahead of the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) proposed by the faction aligned to vice-president Liow Tiong Lai.

Liow and his supporters have vowed to call off the EGM if the rival faction, headed by president Ong Tee Keat and his deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek, agree to holding fresh party elections next month.

Although conceding that a fresh elections is the best panacea for the impasse, Chua however wants the contest to be held next March while Ong has remained vague on this.

'Win-win' situation

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the crisis must be tackled in the best manner possible to arrive at a 'win-win' situation for everyone concerned.

Commenting on the measures to be taken, the Barisan Nasional deputy chairperson, said he had no intention of disclosing any condition or strategy until the settlement formula had been achieved.

"In the initial stage, we don't want to set any condition. I feel the important thing is that they feel the measures that would be taken are aimed at resolving the problem and I feel, it has become a public secret, not a party secret any more. Everyone knows about it.

"What is important is that at this stage, I will not set any condition. What is certain is that when it comes to a particular stage, there is an agreement in principle. So, we want them to uphold the decision with the objective of reaching a settlement," he said.

He said the matter would not be announced to the public, including the media for as long as the objective had not be achieved.

"At this stage, it's okay because it is still at the initial stage but subsequent measures would be disclosed when everyone have reached a consensus on what needs to be done," he said.

Asked on Najib's suggestion that a fresh election be held by the MCA to resolve the conflict. Muhyiddin said that was the view of the prime minister which he was working on.

"I was instructed to adopt this approach, but I will find a way of getting the consensus of the MCA leaders.

"Time is rather limited and the faster the better, because if the conflict drags for several more months, the situation will become worse and will affect MCA and the BN itself," he said. - Bernama