The MCA disciplinary council is on the lookout for Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages that attack party leaders, spread rumours and create discord in the run-up to this month's elections.

According to party deputy president Chan Kong Choy, such phone texts were rife among members.

"We do not deter (candidates) from sending SMS to relay messages such as introducing candidates, sharing views on party issues or just greetings to members, these are allowed.

'But the recent SMS are creating conflict and discord among leaders, this is prohibited," said Chan, who also heads the disciplinary council.

He said using the SMS to defame candidates is forbidden according to the party's code of behaviour.

Although the culprits are difficult to trace as they use prepaid mobile phone numbers, he added that the council will still investigate the matter.

It is learnt that some central delegates received an SMS which read, 'vote for president: Ong Ka Ting, deputy: Ting Chew Peh, vice: Chua Soi Lek, Donald Lim, Fu Ah Kiow, Fong Chan Onn, youth chief: Loh Seng Kok, deputy: Ling Hee Leong. Beware if you do not do so...'

Dirty strategy

Chan, who will be challenging Ting, called on delegates to reject this 'dirty' strategy and work together to ensure a clean election.

Commenting on the large number of candidates for certain posts, he replied that this phenomenon will not result in conflict or split in the party.

"As long as we don't stress on factions, and all of us follow the code of behaviour and the party's constitution, there will be no problem," he said.

The coming polls is said to be one of the most intense elections in the history of MCA, which will see a contest for every top post.