(AFP) Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today urged MCA to unite and resolve a widening rift wisely to ensure that the party remained strong.

Mahathir's call followed the chaos which erupted yesterday at the party's Youth annual general meeting (AGM) which was marred by fist fights, flying chairs and a bomb scare.

Several stink bombs were also thrown onto the stage during the melee and police had to be called in to restore order. Delegates later passed a resolution to sack two youth leaders.

"Even if there are problems, we must resolve them wisely so that there will not be adverse implications," Mahathir told more than 1,000 MCA delegates when opening the party's annual general assembly at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

"There will always be problems but you can solve them in a way that the (party) will remain as strong as ever."

The MCA has been split by its controversial takeover of Nanyang Press Holdings, which publishes Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press .

Many Chinese groups have protested against the deal, saying they fear political interference in the traditionally independent Chinese dailies.

BN's backbone

Mahathir said the MCA, along with Umno, were the backbone of Barisan Nasional (BN).

"You can have your differences as much as in Umno we have our differences but we cannot forget our responsibilitites to keep these two parties strong and healthy to lead this nation," he said.

The premier praised the Chinese community's role in economic development, saying their businessmen were "dynamic" and had helped the country cushion the US slowdown.

He urged them to appreciate the country's racial cooperation which had created stability and made Malaysia the most advanced developing nation.

Mahathir also took a swipe at the opposition Barisan Alternatif (BA),calling it the "Imitation Front" for copying the ruling coalition's formula of racial cooperation.

Party interest

At a press conference later, the premier said he believed the MCA could resolve its problems.

"I think they will get it solved ... they are all aware that the MCA is too important a party to be weakened by some differences," he said, adding that priority must be given to party interest.

Mahathir said the MCA was still interested in selling part of its stake in Nanyang Press, despite the recent withdrawal of a bid by a consortium led by a Chinese tycoon.

MCA president and transport minister Dr Ling Liong Sik said the party would investigate the cause of the fracas at yesterday's meeting.

Ling said he was saddened by the ugly affair and urged delegates to unite to restore the MCA's image. He reiterated MCA's stand that it would not get involved in the editorial operations of Nanyang Press.