Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said he accepted Chua Soi Lek’s resignation as the health minister and left it to MCA to choose a replacement.

“His decision (to resign) is appropriate,” said the premier in a specially arranged press conference at his office in Putrajaya this evening.

Just hours earlier, Chua in a hastily arranged press conference at his office at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya, announced his immediate resignation from all party and government posts.

Apart from his position as health minister, he is also stepping down as MCA vice-president, Labis MP, Johor MCA liaison chief and Batu Pahat MCA division chief.

Confirming Chua’s decision, Abdullah said that he would leave it to MCA to decide on Chua replacement. The party was holding its presidential council meeting to discuss Chua’s resignation while the premier was talking to the media.

No further actions

Abdullah also said that he did not think Chua's sudden resignation would throw the party into a crisis.

“I don’t think there is a crisis because the party leadership has the ability to handle the matter and face the general election,” he said.

The premier also said that no legal action would be taken against Chua over his sex scandal.

He added that Chua had decided to resign from all his posts after considering the public sentiments and the well-being of the party.

Abdullah also revealed that the matter was not discussed during the cabinet meeting today. Chua was also present at the meeting.

The prime minister said that he only became aware of the scandal yesterday, adding that he had not seen the video.

“Chua’s explanation yesterday is sufficient,” he said.

MCA's list ready

Chua was embroiled in a sex scandal after video recordings of him engaging in sexual activities with a woman surfaced in Johor last week.

Yesterday he admitted that it was him caught in action in the video and sought public apology for his actions.

Meanwhile MCA president Ong Ka Ting said that the party “regretfully accepts and respects his decision to be accountable for his actions”.

He also said that the party had submitted a list of potential candidates to replace Chua as the health minister to Abdullah.

“It is now up to the prime minister. It’s his prerogative to appoint anyone,” said Ong after chairing the two-hour emergency presidential council meeting.

Ong, who is the housing and the local government minister, also denied the existence of any internal dispute in the party.

He said that the party also strongly condemned those who were responsible for recording and distribution of the sex video.