CYBERJAYA (Nov 23, 2009) : Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today he would try to find a solution to resolving the MCA crisis before the return of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak from abroad on Dec 1 .
 Muhyiddin and Liow at Who Global Service Centre opening at Cycberjaya. |
Speaking to reporters after launching the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s global service centre here today, he said the task to reach a solution acceptable to the two warring factions -- that of MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai -- will not be easy.
"This will be my key performance index. I will have about a week to get all quarters to agree on a decision although the resolution (of the crisis) will be later and we shall see what is the next step.
"I have begun discussions with a few leaders and I will pursue from now on. If possible before the prime minister comes back, that is the deadline I have set to make sure that the parties concerned settle the matters of utmost importance and urgently.
"I am open to propositions from leaders of the Chinese community, who have also expressed their feelings and concerns. I am prepared to listen to them as well," he said, adding that fixing a date for fresh polls will be part of the solution to be made.
Muhyiddin who stressed he has no personal vested interest (in this), said he believes the outcome of the talks will be a win-win situation and hopes all MCA leaders will support the prime minister's initiatives.
Asked if there are any pre-conditions for the MCA leaders to agree on the peace plan, he said they will not decide on anything at the preliminary stage of discussions.
"When it reaches a stage where an agreement in principle can be reached, we will want them to stick to the decision and find a way to resolve the crisis."
"I will not announce to media (on the plan) until the issues have been sorted out," he added.
On Thursday, Najib, who is the Barisan Nasional chairman, had expressed his disappointment over the MCA crisis and met the two factions to hear their views.
Muhyiddin was later asked to mediate in the crisis while Najib is away attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago.
On whether the two factions had sat down together for discussions, Muhyiddin said he had only met the factions separately.
But if they are agreed on a formula, they can have the discussion together and make a decision at the party level, he said.
Meanwhile, Liow, who present at the function as Health Minister, told newmen the factions are looking forward an agreeable date for fresh polls.
However, he said to have the elections in March as suggested by deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, was too late and his side would prefer the elections to be held during the annual general meeting, to be held before the end of the year.
On the coming extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Saturday to call for fresh elections and nullify the decision made by Ong after the Oct 10 EGM, Liow said no decision had been made as whether to call it off or not, as the date for fresh polls is still being discussed.
Asked if he was confident that a decision can be reached within the next few days before the EGM, Liow said: "If we can agree on the date, the EGM can be called off."
It is widely believed the EGM requisitioned by Liow's faction will most likely be called off, an announcement on this is expected to be made on Wednesday.