Newly-minted MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek today formally took over reins of the party and wasted no time in extending an olive branch to rivals Ong Tee Keat and Ong Ka Ting.

Chua said he had invited both Tee Keat and Ka Ting to be part of the party presidential council, but the duo declined.

NONE He said this after a simple ceremony today at the MCA headquarters to mark the handing over of duties from Tee Keat to Chua.

When Tee Keat was quizzed about the offer later, he appeared surprised and asked: "Was there such an offer?"

He later elaborated Chua casually brought up the topic and he did not think anything seriously of it.

However, Tee Keat implied disinterest by stating that the presidential council had only a limited number of seats and that he was capable of contributing to the party even without any official posts.

Unperturbed by fresh attacks

Earlier, Chua said the new leadership will follow through many of Tee Keat's initiatives.

He also revealed that he contacted both Tee Keat and Ka Ting soon after the party polls and they both promised to help restore stability in the party.

On whether he intends to nominate himself as a Cabinet minister, Chua was non-committal and said his main duty now was to bring unity to the party and gear up for the next general elections.

In January 2008, Chua resigned as health minister and all party posts after he admitted to adultery after his sex scandal broke.

Since the campaigning period last month for the party presidency, Chua's sex scandal have come back to haunt him and attacks on his character has increased since he won the election.

Asked on the renewed attacks, particularly on the internet, Chua simply brushed it aside.

"There are people who enjoy campaigning everyday, but I enjoy carrying my duty," he said.

A Facebook page for the "Anti-blue film actor as MCA president" movement was formed after Chua was elected last week. The group had attracted 325 'fans' at the time of writing.