Several senior Umno leaders commented o­n the MCA leadership transition and most agreed that while the future challenges for the new leaders may be tough, it would be for the better of the MCA and the Barisan Nasional.

Ending factional identities will be a big test for the MCA following a change in the party leadership, said Umno vice-president Najib Tun Razak.

"No more Team A and Team B and no more mention of such factional identities."

This will be the big test to see if the peace plan (of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad) is accepted by MCA members at all levels of the party," Bernama quoted him as saying in Johor.

On Dr Ling's position as transport minister, Najib who is also defence minister said that was the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

"That is his absolute prerogative," he said.

Respect change

Umno secretary-general and Information Minister Khalil Yaakob said Umno respected the leadership change in MCA to resolve its problems.

"It is a positive development within the BN. They feel proud for being able to achieve the peace as desired by Dr Mahathir," said Khalil.

Kelantan Umno chief Mustapa Mohamed said the appointment of o­ng Ka Ting and Chan Kong Choy would help to strengthen unity in the MCA.

"I am confident that the two leaders could reunite the party and strengthen the BN and that factionalism in the MCA will end," he told Bernama .