While the debate rages on about MCA representatives Tan Cheng Liang (Jawi) and Lim Boo Chang (Datuk Keramat) for not toeing the ruling front's line in a recent state assembly meeting, a backbencher explained that once a decision has been made earlier by the Barisan Nasional about a motion to be raised, that decision stays.

"We've had a pre-council meeting to decide on the matter. Everyone was there (including Tan and Lim), and once a decision has been made, we have to follow," explained Gerakan state assembly representative Looi Swee Cheang (Sungai Pinang).

Tan and Lim had abstained from voting against a motion submitted by Law Heng Kiang (DAP-Batu Lanchang) for the RM1.2 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (Porr) project to be deferred until the RM400 million Jelutong Expressway project was completed.

They were the only two ruling party representatives present who did not vote against it, with 19 others rejecting it and three opposition members for it.

The duo's stand became a full-blown controversy when Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi issued a warning, saying that they have committed a serious breach of party discipline.

State Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon and state Barisan Nasional whip and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya have been asked to submit a report on the matter. Koh is expected to present it in a day or two.

It is learnt that Koh was in Kuala Lumpur today to attend a meeting in which Abdullah will be present.

Caught unawares

When contacted, Tan claimed that she was "caught unawares" of the individual voting as it was the first time that the state assembly had conducted such a vote. She added that the pre-council meeting had not discussed this.

Moments before Speaker Yahaya Abdul Hamid opened the motion to the House for a general consensus on the matter, Abdul Rahman Abdul Kadir (Keadilan-Penanti) appealed an individual basis process in accordance with Regulation 114 of the Standing Order.

Despite being threatened with the whip, Tan's loyalties remained with the BN and she has declined an offer, also extended to Lim, from Penang DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow to join the opposition party.

"I joined the BN because I love the BN. I believe Vision 2020, and the need to create a caring society. I thought by caring for the people, I was doing right. I was elected by the people. I was merely doing what the people want or else why would the people want to elect me?

"What is so wrong about it? What is so wrong about this?" she persisted.

Lim could not be reached for comment as he was "out of town and will only be back next week", according to his staff. Earlier, he had refused to comment on the matter.

No standing count

The duo have also been accused by BN secretary-general Mohamed Rahmat of having their own interests at heart as they had remained seated during a standing count.

But Tan refuted Mohamed's statement, reported in yesterday's New Straits Times , saying there was no standing count.

"We were seated and I merely abstained from voting saya tidak mahu mengundi and I did not support the DAP motion," she told malaysiakini .

"A report like that hurts me more than anything. It seems the more I say, the more trouble I get. I am very, very sad over the issue," she said, sounding upset.

She said she felt there was a hidden agenda "to get rid of us. I don't have to say who, you know who".

Tan is hopeful that MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik will speak to Abdullah soon to explain the issue.

Other MCA ministers like vice presidents Chua Jui Meng and Chan Kong Choy appeared to be more accommodating, saying that Tan and Lim should be given the opportunity to present their case.