Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s moral compass will determine if he continues to remain at helm or relinquishes his post, former MCA president Ong Tee Keat says.

"Earlier on, I suggested that Najib should take leave amidst this (RM2.6 billion) controversy. I think (resigning) is an option... most importantly, it depends on what Najib's values are.

"Some foreign country presidents or politicians would bow down and resign, based on their local political culture," Ong told reporters when asked whether Najib should resign over the RM2.6 billion political donation issue.

Ong's comments come in wake of another former MCA president, Dr Ling Liong Sik, calling on Najib to quit after accusing him of swindling public funds.

The prime minister has slapped Ling (photo) with a letter of demand that he apologise within seven days or face a lawsuit.

Ling, a former transport minister, has refused to back down.

Ong, meanwhile, also implied that Najib's credibility was at stake.

"We should protect Malaysia's goodwill by upholding personal values. This should not be questioned at any time, either local or internationally.

"I am not pinpointing Najib only [...] the standard should be applied by every country."

Tajuddin a 'coward'

Ong also opined that the BN mechanism has failed, particularly in handling deputy minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman 'lempang (slap) Chinese' remarks.

"His (Tajuddin's) statement is openly defying to the MCA. I just want to see how the party deals with it.

"Notwithstanding that much has been said about the issue, even with the evidence, I have yet to see any convincing way of handling the controversy within BN itself."

"I am still watching," he added.

Ong slammed Tajuddin (photo) for being a 'coward despite the latter being proven to have uttered the offending remark.

Tajuddin was embroiled in controversy following his threat to slap the Chinese should they take their grouses overseas.

He has denied making such remarks and said that his meaning was taken out of context.