MCA former deputy president Dr Chua Soi Lek has finally broken his silence following Saturday's extraordinary general meeting.

NONE And he wants his rival and party president Ong Tee Keat to quit.

"Ong should resign. Although it says in the party constitution that two-thirds are needed to remove an elected party official but this is the decision of the delegates and it should be respected," he said.

Speaking at a press conference in Petaling Jaya this afternoon, Chua also called on all 43 central committee members, including the 12 who were appointed, to quit and pave the way for a fresh election.

"Since the president has lost the confidence of the delegates, CC members appointed by him should also resign," he said.

However, Chua refused to comment on whether he would contest for the president's post if a fresh election is held.

According to reports in the Chinese media, sources claimed that Ong will tender his resignation during the next CC meet on Thursday.

For the sake of democracy

Chua said from the standpoint of "dignity and morality", Ong should resign as the majority have lost confidence in him.

"It is very simple...no need to talk so much about the constitution. He has been a president less than a year and initially enjoyed strong support, over 60 percent," he added.

NONE However, a month before the EGM, the grassroots support for Ong dwindled to about 40 percent, "a clear sign that he had lost ground."

"Ong should not chair this Thursday's CC meeting unless he intends to resign. The four vice-presidents can decide among themselves who will chair the meeting," said Chua.

He added that party officials elected by Ong should do the same and come to the meeting just to submit their resignations. "Only then there will be true democracy," said Chua.

Furthermore, he said that the delegates are keen on calling for fresh polls to reform the leadership.

"(If fresh elections are held) only then will it reflect the wishes of MCA members... only then the leadership will be respected not only by the members, but the Chinese community and all Malaysians," he added.

'Pursue the middle ground'

Asked if he will continue to be vocal in the party despite losing out on the deputy president's post, Chua said: "My membership in MCA has been restored and I will continue to strengthen the party and BN."

He added that the delegates were clear that they wanted a stable and strong leader. "They want a president who can lead the party well and work together with BN," he said.

Asked whether the EGM has further caused a rift in the party, Chua said: "It has become a fractured party within a year but it is not true that it is because of the outcome of the EGM."

"As long as the people who are there do the right thing for the sake of the party and are willing to reach out to all the camps... but that is up to the leadership to decide.

"If the party leadership is still taking sides on who to appoint and who not to appoint, the crisis will start all over again," he added.