Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today urged the various factions in MCA to resolve the party's takeover of two Chinese dailies as further divisions could adversely effect the Chinese community's support for Barisan Nasional.

"I think that they can find a solution if they are willing to sit down and discuss this matter. The grassroots is clearly more in the know than I am," he said.

Abdullah expressed his concerns regarding the widespread opposition within the Chinese community against the takeover.

"The most important question is how the Chinese community might view the issue, and this is the most worrisome factor," said Abdullah at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Last week, MCA bought two major dailies, Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press, for RM230 million in cash through the party's investment arm Huaren Holdings.

The issue has become a thorn in the Chinese community as fears arose that the dailies would face the same fate as Tong Bao, a daily in the early 1990s which collapsed after MCA took over operations.

The deal has also incurred the wrath of the Committee Against the Takeover of Nanyang Press (CAT), a coalition of writers and activists who fear that the dailies would become mouthpieces for MCA.

Gerakan, another Chinese-based party within the coalition, has also stated its objection.

However, Abdullah, who is also BN vice-chairperson, stressed that he did not mean to tick off MCA, which is the second largest party in the coalition, but he hoped that the party would heed his advice.

"I don't think the BN should get involve with the decision that has already been made by the MCA but it should know the effects of the course of its actions," said Abdullah.

"I am merely voicing my concern as to what may happen to BN, but I do believe their leadership will know what to do. I am very saddened by the division in the party over this issue."

Deep divisions

Last Wednesday, the party's central committee voted for the takeover with the exception of deputy president Lim Ah Lek, vice presidents Chua Jui Meng and Chan Kong Choy, youth chief Ong Tee Keat, Klang MP Tan Yee Kew, Rawang state assemblyman Tang See Hang, Mentakab MP Fu Ah Kiow and committee member Wong Mook Leong, sparking deep divisions within the party.

The takeover has prompted the protest of Selangor MCA, headed by state leader Chan with over 1,000 members in tow in Shah Alam last night while party president Ling Liong Sik managed to enlist the support of Kedah - with the exception of Kedah state chairman Chua - and Malacca MCA leaders.

The party's top two leaders, Ling and Lim, have been at odds over a number of issues over the past few years including the party's future leadership.

Earlier, Abdullah officiated the 15th Industry Trade Fair and said that such exhibitions would help in boosting small and medium entreprises.

"Such exhibitions are not only a catalyst for entrepreneurs to tap opportunities in the manufacturing sectors but they are also an ideal medium offering solutions to industry needs.

"They also reinforce the government's initiatives to encourage local businessmen to adapt the latest technologies for the acceleration of our K-economy objectives," he said.

The exhibition is held at the Mines International Exhibition Centre beginning yesterday and ends on Sunday.