Embattled MCA chief Ong Tee Keat said he will stay on, reversing his earlier pledge to resign after losing a vote of confidence.

MCA has been divided by a power struggle between president Ong Tee Keat and his former deputy, Dr Chua Soi Lek, who was suspended over a sex tape scandal.

NONE MCA members issued a vote of no confidence against Ong earlier this month, and overturned the suspension of Chua, who was forced to leave the cabinet last year over the sex tape affair.

Ong told English daily New Sunday Times that he had decided to stay on after he and Chua agreed to set aside their differences, amid fears the leadership battle could undermine the ruling coalition.

"My conscience is clear," he told the newspaper, adding that "between honouring my personal pledge (to resign) and upholding public trust, I was mindful of the necessity to choose the latter."

"Had I failed miserably (as president), I don't think the public or grassroots would bother to shower me with encouragement and support in my difficult time," said Ong, who is also transport minister.

Prime Minister Najib Razak had pressed the party to resolve the crisis fearing it was hampering the coalition's efforts to claw back support from minorities, who swung to the opposition in elections a year ago.

- AFP

No need for two-third majority to 'boot me out'