MCA deputy president Lim Ah Lek ( photo ) described this afternoon's presidential council's decision to refer Youth chief O­ng Tee Keat to the disciplinary committee as "a deliberate move to axe Team B leaders in order to strike fear into their supporters".

However, he said this move would not work.

"Instead, it will perpetuate the division (in the party), causing damage to the image of the party and (that of the) Barisan Nasional," he told reporters at a press conference held after the o­ne held by MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik at the end of the council meeting.

Present with Lim were four Team B-aligned council members ( from far left ) o­ng, vice-presidents Chan Kong Choy and Chua Jui Meng, and central committee member Fu Ah Kiow.