Sarawak United People's Party (Supp) president Dr George Chan Hong Nam could avoid a no-confidence motion against him if he agrees to step down within a specific timeframe, said a source close to the group pushing for his immediate resignation.

It is not known how Chan, 70, is likely to view such a deal, as he had previously indicated that he would fight to keep his post until party elections are held in 2008.

The source said Chan would have to agree to step down preferably before the next parliamentary elections.

Otherwise, his opponents would push for a no-confidence vote when the 110-member central committee meets on Dec 9. The special delegates conference will be held the next day.

Another source claimed that even branches that have traditionally supported Chan are only prepared to give him qualified support, and even they want Chan to agree to a time-table for stepping down.

"So far he (Chan) has rejected any suggestion that he should follow such a time-table because that would render him a lame-duck president," the source said.

"His opponents are not insisting that he should step down from his ministerial post at the same time - his position in the state cabinet remains the chief minister's prerogative."

The party has been rocked by a crisis since a no-confidence motion was moved against Chan at last Thursday's meeting of the 26-member central working committee (CWC).

He prevented a vote only via a technicality by seeking refuge in the party constitution, which is silent on the question as to whether such a motion can be tabled, debated and voted on by the CWC.

Behind-scenes move

Local media today described Chan as giving no hint of quitting any time soon. He was quoted as saying that party unity is paramount and that no one should be sidelined or marginalised in the search for solutions to the current problems.

He has so far refused to respond to his leading critic Law Hieng Deng ( photo ), a veteran party leader, saying only that he would reply in due course.

Law had said Chan should resign because he is ineffective as a leader and has not been honest with party colleagues on important matters.

But malaysiakini learnt today that Peter Chin, the party organising secretary, has been meeting party leaders to identify solutions.

The Sibu group, which includes several of the party's members of Parliament and state assemblypersons, is said to be more comfortable with dealing with Chin ( photo ), who is known to be close to Chan.

"We should know within the next few days whether a compromise has been hammered out to avoid a permanent split in the party if Chan refuses to back down and the no-confidence motion is tabled," added the source.