The Barisan Nasional supreme council today decided not to take any further action against two MCA Penang state assembly representatives who were suspended indefinitely by the party for abstaining from voting on an opposition motion to defer the controversial RM1.02 billion Penang Outer Road Ring (Porr) project.

BN chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that, following a lengthy discussion among the 14 coalition members, it was unanimously decided that the disciplinary action taken by MCA against the duo was sufficient.

On Dec 16, MCA indefinitely suspended Lim Boo Chang (Dato Keramat) and Tan Cheng Lian (Jawi) on the recommendations of its disciplinary committee, following a hearing.

Both Umno and Gerakan leaders had clamoured for MCA to sack the duo, saying that discipline within BN would be tarnished if stern action was not taken.

However, Mahathir said today that BN had been discussing the matter at length and considered feedback from coalition leaders, and decided not to further punish the duo.

The premier also said the question of how long the suspension would be in force has not been decided as yet by the ruling coalition.

"It has now become our responsibility, and we will discuss that matter at another time," said Mahathir at the end of an almost three-hour meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He said the decision by the MCA to suspend Lim and Tan was automatically BN's decision as well, and that only the suspension period had to be decided.

Watch on conduct

Responding to a question on what criteria would be applied to lift the suspension, Mahathir said the BN would be watching the duo's "behaviour" as to whether or not they continue to support the party stand.

On their status, he clarified that they are still party members but that they no longer had privileges including that of holding positions.

Commenting on eight other Penang BN state assembly representatives who were absent during voting on the Porr motion, the prime minister said the matter was discussed but that it was not an issue because BN still holds the majority even without their votes. The motion, brought by the DAP, was defeated.

Mahathir said the decision against Tan (left) and Lim was accepted by all component parties including Gerakan which rules the state even without majority seats which had been vocal against the MCA duo.

On whether the crisis involving the two Chinese-based parties would affect BN performance in the next general election, Mahathir was convinced this would be resolved soon.

Earlier, Mahathir dismissed speculation by PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa that he (Mahathir) would lead BN to another general election, telling reporters that "I don't response to such stupidity".