MCA appears en route for an heated battle in its coming polls, a contest that would once again test the tenacity of its incumbent president Dr Chua Soi Lek and the mettle of his contender.

NONE Although Chua - who is still influential among the party grassroots - had previously said that he would not defend his post, speculation was rife that he might decide otherwise.

And when commenting on a call for disciplinary action to be taken against him, the president launched his first broadside at his deputy Liow Tiong Lai.

Addressing him as the "president-in-waiting", the medical doctor-turned-politician told Liow to be patient and to behave like a gentleman.

"The MCA election process has been set in motion so he should wait for it, in another month or two, everything will be settled. He should refrain from whipping up a frenzy," he told malaysiakini .

Responding to a question if the call made by the Save MCA Committee and eight party divisions this morning was to further Liow's agenda, Chua noted there was a paradox.

NONE "Liow always says that if MCA wants to move forward, there should be no factions and stresses on the importance of unity. But his 'boys' are pushing...

"So Liow must tell his 'boys' not to engage in partisan politics that will further tear apart the party," he added.

The Save MCA Committee and eight party divisions called for disciplinary action to be taken against Chua over his refusal to relinquish his Penang port chairman post.

This was in light of MCA's stand not to accept any government appointments following its dismal performance in the recent general election.

Direct appointment by PM

Commenting on this, Chua said that he had explained the matter to the presidential council and central committee.

"The cardinal words in MCA's stand are not to accept any 'party recommended posts'.  But the port chairmanship is a direct appointment by the prime minister.

"My tenure is expiring sometime in October or November, and a new chairman will be appointed. This person may not necessarily be from MCA," he added.

Chua said there were also other MCA leaders holding port chairmanship.

"This is similar to MCA vice-president Dr Ng Yen Yen's appointment (as Malaysian Tourism Board chairperson)," he added.

Ng, who was the former tourism minister, was appointed to the post by current minister Nazri Abdul Aziz.