Although he appeared calm, flashing a smile now and then, during the press conference, former MCA deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek's words however revealed a tinge of dissatisfaction with the peace plan.

NONE At this afternoon's press conference, his nemesis and party president Ong Tee Keat announced that the duo would set aside their differences in order to unite and strengthen the battle-scarred MCA.

Seated with the president was Chua, newly appointed deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and other senior party leaders.

After being persuaded by press photographers, Chua shook hands with Ong, whom he had among others called the 'grandpa of all nonsense' during the height of their feud.

Met after the press conference, the former deputy president indicated that the latest development was not by choice.

NONE "For the greater good of the party, we have no choice," he told reporters.

"My view is that he (Ong) has half the support and I have half the support. So for the sake of the party, we have to work together," he added.

Chua also revealed that he had met Ong three times since the Oct 10 extraordinary general meeting which landed both politicians a black eye.

The speculation is that the new peace plan was brokered by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak during a meeting with the two MCA heavyweights last night.

While both Ong and Chua confirmed that they had met the premier, the duo however denied that there was any pressure from Najib

ROS' decision could change everything

Asked how he would be able to work with Ong in view of their animosity, the medical doctor-turned-politician explained that at some point infighting must come to an end or politicians would risk losing public support and their party would become irrelevant.

NONE Meanwhile, Chua also explained that he did not appeal to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) over his sacking but had merely wrote in to seek clarification on his position.

Asked what would happen if the ROS decided in his favour, Chua replied: "Then I come back as deputy president lah. Simple as that."

On Liow assuming the post he was forced to vacate, he said: "It is not a question of whether I accept it or not, it is for the central delegates to accept".

Liow, who is health minister, was chosen as the new deputy president during last Thursday's central committee meeting.

Chua was initially sacked after he was found guilty of tarnishing the party's image due to his sex scandal. The punishment was later commuted to a four-year suspension.