Suspended MCA Wanita leader Dr Tan Yee Kew today dismissed the speculation that she will resign as Klang parliamentarian to allow for a by-election as a protest against the party's decision.

"I feel very sad and disappointed (on what happened to me). But I am a fighter. I will not resign to protest. I think resigning from the post is a passive way to respond to the problem," she said when met at the Parliament lobby.

She said resignation was not the answer and it will also not be fair to her supporters and voters in the constituency.

Speculations have been rife that Tan, who was suspended from the party for six months, will vacant the parliamentary seat to protest the party's action and consolidate her position.

Settle it within

Tan, who is also International Trade and Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary, said she preferred "to settle the problem within the party".

"In politics there are a lot of uncertainties....I prefer to settle my problem with the party within the party," she said, adding that she will now focus on her ministry and parliamentary duties.

Tan was suspended for breaking the party's code of ethics by allegedly being involved in a scuffle which took place during the Jalan Young MCA branch election on April 17.

Her initial one-year suspension was slashed to six months after her appeal to the party's central committee last week.

Under MCA's constitution, her suspension is final and not subjected to any court of law.

Following her suspension, Tan who was Wanita MCA deputy chair and Selangor Wanita chair will be barred from contesting in this August's party elections.

In yesterday's state level Wanita elections, Chew Mei Fun became the new Selangor Wanita chief unopposed.

Still needed

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a party insider said MCA's top leadership will try and 'console' Tan, who commands a strong support in Klang.

"Many people on the ground sympathise with her. That is why her suspension was slashed from one year to six months," he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, a political observer said six months is not long for Tan to make a return to the party.

"She is still needed in Klang. MCA might lose the seat in Klang to the opposition if there is a by-election," he said.

Despite not having any posts, he said Tan still can play a vital role as parliamentary secretary.

"Some people in the party also don't like to see Ng Yen Yen (Wanita chief) and her ally Chew Mei Fun becoming strong," he added.