The latest twist in the MCA feud could have been the last straw as far as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is concerned.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairperson, said he would meet with the leaders of all the warring factions.

He noted that the crisis had worsened and became more serious.

azlanThe failure of MCA to resolve its internal problems has resulted in the Chinese community and other races losing confidence in BN's second largest component party, he said.

"I would find time to talk to them and would see if there is a common ground, we would take it from there," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Najib said he plans to meet the leaders before the Nov 28 extraordinary general meeting (EGM) called by the faction aligned to Liow Tiong Lai.

Yesterday, embattled party president Ong Tee Keat removed nine members of the presidential council, the majority of whom were aligned to Liow.

This includes Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita chief Chew Mei Fun.

Up until today, Najib had said that he would only interfere in the crisis if invited due to the policy of non interference in the ruling coalition.

However, it appears that the MCA president's latest strike had altered the rules of the game.

Crisis would affect BN
Meanwhile, Najib said there were many groups expressing disappointment over the turn of events in MCA.

"Certainly if we want to find a formula for unity, our action should reflect that desire.

NONE"It seems that what is happening in the MCA so far, no longer inspires confidence among those outside the party, including among BN component members," he said.

The prime minister also said the crisis in MCA would affect BN, especially the effort to restore the coalition's image in the eyes of the people.

"Yes, it is going to hamper our effort to revive the position of BN in the eyes of the people.

"The people now see Umno as being very stable and has gone through the process of reforming itself and presenting a new image to the rakyat," he said.

"We hope that other parties will come together and reflect the desire to put together a new image for the BN," he added.