The Alor Gajah MCA Youth division secretary, Chai Ming Swee, today quit the party as he felt the MCA central disciplinary board will sack him on the recommendation of the state's disciplinary board.

NONE He crumpled his membership card in front of reporters after emerging from the meeting at MCA HQ in Kuala Lumpur, and claimed joining MCA is similar to joining a bunch of gangsters because he was received a threatening letter yesterday.

Chai ( left ) was facing the board for coming on stage with a placard displaying the message: "President, if you really love MCA, could you please resign?" when MCA president Chua Soi Lek was giving a speech at Machap Baru Chinese primary school hall, Malacca in May.

Chai claimed later that night, he was assaulted by three people who hit him on the head and upper body, resulting in a torn shirt and damaged spectacles.

Chai, who insisted he was not doing wrong in presenting a placard to the MCA president, said if Chua continue to lead the party, MCA will end being a museum.

NONE However, MCA disciplinary board president Michael Chen Wing Sum denied it has taken any decision.

"The hearing today is just to get his explanation. The board is neutral. We must understand the whole process of the incident before considering any action.

"I hope Chai will reconsider his decision after having a nice sleep tonight. Sacking a comrade is a very painful decision. We won't do it unless the offence is very serious."

Chen said although Chai has a right to criticise Chua from a democratic point of view, Chai also needed to respect the MCA president who is the party's choice.

All six board members were present today.

Asked about Chai's complaint that the board did not call the three people who reportedly assaulted him after the incident, Chen explained that as no report was lodged, the board cannot do anything.

"According to the party constitution section 123A, a complaint must be lodged through the branch, division and state MCA, or we get an order from the MCA presidential council."

Lack of funds

NONE Chen also revealed that Jelutong MCA Youth deputy chief Sit Jie Hao's ( left ) case was delayed because Sit was unable to come to KL as he could not afford the fare.

"He wrote a letter to us saying he had just graduated and had no income and asked to delay his hearing today. We have granted his request."

Sit posted modified lyrics describing the MCA as an Umno stooge, while claiming that the party had surrendered its founding principles and functions to enrich its leaders and their cronies.