MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek today strongly affirmed that he would not nominate himself as a cabinet minister nor as a senator.

NONE Answering questions at the 2nd Student Leaders Summit in Putrajaya, Chua ( right ), who's political career is tainted by a 2008 sex-scandal, said he will keep his promise not to seek any government or legislature posts.

"I have said before - and I will keep this promise - I won't join the cabinet. I won't even be nominated to the Upper House," he said.

Approached by reporters later, Chua said that he has yet to submit a list of nominees for cabinet, but stressed that he will not be on the list.

He added that there is "no doubt" that MCA would retain its four Cabinet positions.

"Unless the prime minister decides to reduce our seats (we will have four). But until now, we have yet to be notified (of any changes)," he said.

MCA can leave BN, but...

Earlier, a student asked whether his son - Tee Yong, who is Labis MP - would be nominated as a deputy minister, Chua skirted the question.

"You seem to know more than me about who should be nominated. I would like to appoint you as my advisor," quipped Chua.

He said that the party has yet to decide on the nominees and the rumours concerning the Cabinet posts were mere media speculation.

It is widely speculated by the Chinese press that Chua cannot nominate himself for a Cabinet position because of his Jan 2008 DVD sex scandal.

Instead, he is speculated to be considering nominating Tee Yong as a deputy minister, thus serving as his proxy.

It is believed that Chua would submit the list of MCA's nominees for Cabinet positions after the Sibu by-election as a reshuffle is expected soon.

Responding to another question from the floor, Chua denied suggestions that MCA was scared of leaving Barisan Nasional.

"Don't think MCA is afraid to leave BN. But, if we do so, we must think of the political implication. The implication is wide. It will affect the entire Chinese community.

"Like it or not, MCA is still airing the community's grouses to the government. But once we leave BN, we will lose this channel," he said.

Chua's prediction for Pakatan PM

To another question, Chua said he strongly believed that should Pakatan Rakyat take over the federal government, the prime minister would be a member of conservative Islamic party PAS.

"If you ask me, its not going to be Anwar, but someone from PAS. It is because in Pakatan Rakyat, PAS has the best ability to organise themselves, most experience in governing, best machinery and largest party membership," he said.

He told the students that they were "dreaming" if they thought PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim would become prime minister one day.