The MCA central committee today slashed the one-year suspension imposed on its Wanita deputy chief Dr Tan Yee Kew to six months for breaking the party's code of ethics.

The decision was made after a four-hour long meeting today following Tan's appeal .

MCA secretary-general Dr Ting Chew Peh, when contacted, said that he was unable to elaborate on the reasons behind the decision.

When asked whether it was a unanimous decision by the 41-member central committee, he said: "It's a collective decision."

Earlier this month, the 20-member presidential council slapped Tan with a one-year suspension for distributing video recordings of a fight in a branch election to the media.

Despite the sentence being reduced, she will still be unable to contest in the party's Selangor elections tomorrow and the upcoming triennial election in August.

"I am disappointed that I don't have a chance to contest. I will think about the whole situation, talk to more people and decide on my next step, and make a right decision," she said when contacted later.

However, the 52-year-old politician refused to elaborate on what this 'right decision' means.

Tan, who submitted her oral defence to the committee this morning, is also the Klang parliamentarian and parliamentary secretary for the International Trade and Industry Ministry.

'Need time to think'

Asked if she would quit her government post, she replied: "I don't want to talk too much now, I need some time to think."

"I will be out of politics temporary for six months because I cannot take part in party activities but it would not mean I am also out of my government position," she added.

On whether the suspension was fair, Tan refused to comment beyond saying that it is the party's decision and that she will abide by it.

Responding to a question, she said her supporters are disappointed with the development and advised them to remain calm.