After a year-long bitter feud, MCA president Ong Tee Keat and his deposed deputy Dr Chua Soi Lek have agreed to bury the hatchet.

NONE The duo - who had traded countless barbs and accusations in the past - announced a truce at a joint press conference at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur which was also attended by newly appointed deputy president Liow Tiong Lai.

However, there is a possibility that the dust may have yet to settle on the MCA saga as the Registrar of Societies (ROS) could alter the equation.

Speculations are rife that the ROS could overturn Chua's suspension and reinstate him as deputy president, landing both Liow and vice-president Kong Chor Ha in a quandary.

The duo are said to be the benefactors in the event Ong and Chua are removed, with Liow taking the top position and Kong becoming his deputy.

NONE Observers said the tension was evident when Liow and Kong appeared reluctant to attend this afternoon's press conference, resulting in a 10-minute delay.

During the press conference, Ong read out a statement which revealed that he and Chua have agreed to "work as a team" to unite and strengthen the crisis-plagued MCA, the second largest component party in Barisan Nasional.

He also revealed that Chua has agreed to work with him "without any pre-conditions."

"This is the time to forgive and forget and to look at the bigger picture of what is good for the party and not for individuals," he stressed.

No pressure from Najib

The MCA president disclosed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has been briefed about the peace plan - dubbed the 'greater unity plan' - and the latter has given his blessings.

NONE Although admitting that he met the premier last night, Ong however denied that the 'unity formula' came about due to pressure from Najib, who is also the BN chairperson.

Apart from this, Ong also pledged to work closely with Liow - an ally who turned nemesis - in the latter's capacity as deputy president.

Ong said he would also talk to the MCA secretary-general Wong Foon Meng to review the decision to call for another extraordinary general meeting.

The president also vowed to reach out to all leaders in an attempt to form an 'inclusive' MCA that would provide room for the warring factions to work as a team.

Will the president resign?

Asked what role Chua, who is now an ordinary member, would play in the party, Ong replied: "It is too early to say."

On whether it was possible for the duo, given their acrimonious past, to work together, he said: "I am optimistic and hopeful that with our commitment to the party, we would work it out."

Asked if he would keep his word and resign after losing the vote of no-confidence during the Oct 10 EGM, Ong tried to justify his reason not to.

"We take full cognisance of the EGM results, including the interpretation of the EGM results including the interpretation of the polling results. So that is why today, Chua and Liow are all here," he said.

NONE Ong added that he had received a lot of encouragement from the public to continue "unfinished business" such as bringing the different factions together.

"I think that in the name of public trust, it is only fair that if I as MCA president endevour to live to the expectation of the members and the public," he said.

On whether Liow would remain as No 2, the president said: "The problem does not arise because the CC (central committee) elected him as deputy. Things do not change."

Asked for his comments regarding the peace plan when met later, Liow appeared to be far from committed.

"For the unity of the party I accept the formula. But as to the details, I have to check with the CC first before making any comments," he added.