An MCA leader has appealed to those watching the party's current developments, for more time to enable it to resolve its deepening crisis.

Vice-president Liow Tiong Lai said he was confident the party could handle its internal problems well, without any interference from a third party.

NONE Liow also brushed aside talks, especially by the media, that the party was heading for a split, assuring that its unity was intact, in facing the crisis.

"Please give us a little more time to resolve all these problems amicably. I am confident with the party's own mechanism, we will be able to handle this issue," he told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

In the latest turn of events, sacked party deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek's supporters yesterday submitted enough quorum to call for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) after being challenged by the other faction led by president Ong Tee Keat.

The presidential council had, at the same time, also endorsed that only one EGM would be held.

Five days to set EGM date

According to the MCA constitution, the secretary-general would have five days to set a date for an EGM after receiving requisitions from chief coordinator for the signature campaign, Datuk Tan Chai Ho, yesterday.

Reminding the party members that MCA should fulfill its promises made to the people to reform, Liow said the party was also taking in its stride, the current crisis.

He said its members should not waste time in bickering and instead, focus on its reform agendas.

"As the pendulum swayed away from the old behaviour, it is necessary for the party to have a stand on certain issues.

"We should stick to the principles in handling the issue and manage the behavourial change well," he added.

- Bernama