The MCA today “regretfully accepts and respects” its vice-president Dr Chua Soi Lek’s decision to quit politics in the wake of a sex scandal, but denied that the controversy was linked to any internal fight in the party.

Party chief Ong Ka Ting conveyed the party’s decision to a packed press conference at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this evening after chairing a two-hour emergency meeting of the party’s presidential council - a top decision-making body in the party.

“The presidential council regretfully accepts and respects his decision to be accountable for his actions,” Ong, accompanied by seven other party leaders, read out from a prepared one-page statement.

“It must have been a difficult decision for him, and we commend him for putting his party and the country before self. His willingness to step down voluntarily is an example of a responsible leader,” he added. He however said that Chua would remain as an ordinary party member.

The MCA chief also said the party strongly condemned those responsible for filming and distributing the sex tape as a “blatant intrusion of privacy of a citizen” and urged the police to take action against the perpetrators.

“Our hearts are with him and his family as they weather this very difficult period,” he added.

List to the PM

On the health minister post vacated by Chua, Ong said he has contacted Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and gave him a list of potential candidates to replace Chua.

“On behalf of the party, I have given my views to the prime minister - it’s the prime minister’s prerogative and we will leave it to him to make the final decision,” he said.

While Ong remained tightlipped on Chua’s cabinet replacement, it is however believed that one of the three current MCA ministers - Ong, his deputy Chan Kong Choy or vice-president Dr Fong Chan Onn - would be appointed imminently in an acting capacity before the premier decides on a permanent replacement.

On the two top party posts left vacant by Chua - party vice presidency and the Johor MCA chief - Ong said that a decision would be made on Jan 8 when the party’s highest decision-making body - its central committee - meets.

Ong, who is the housing and local government minister, also denied that the disclosure of the explosive video was linked to internal dispute in the party.

“There is no relation to it. There are a lot of outsiders like to jia yan jia chu (exaggerate the situation). They will be disappointed, we will be stable and united,” he said.

On a question if the ouster of Chua was the work of his political enemies, Ong replied: “When something happens, all sorts of speculations are heard. What is important today is we view this seriously and will let the police do their job. What is important is the party’s political culture is being upheld.”

Ong and Chua - who enjoys staunch support in his political base in Johor - were rumoured to have fallen out last year but both have denied the speculation.

To another question on whether he had tried persuading Chua to stay, the MCA president did not answer the question directly but said the decision was Chua’s own.

He also said the party will not pursue the case against Chua at the party’s disciplinary committee level and has no plans to launch internal probe as the police have started their own investigation.

Party remain strong

Ong argued that this scandal will not have major impact on the second largest Chinese-based ruling party’s performance in the coming general election and on the government’s image.

“With his courageous action, the BN and MCA’s image will remain intact. What is important is for us to continue our service for the people. It’s time for us to move forward from now on.”

Earlier today, Chua announced that he was resigning from all party and government posts, effective immediately.

He also stepped down as member of parliament his Labis constituency in Johor.

Chua had yesterday openly admitted that he was the person featured in a video depicting a man having sex with a woman purportedly in a hotel room.

The veteran politician, who today turned 61 today, made the confession at a press conference in Labis.


Watch 5-min video of Ong's press conference