By B. Suresh Ram

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will meet the warring factions in MCA in a bid to seek a solution to the party's internal crisis.

Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, acknowledged that the internal feud in the second largest BN component party had not shown any signs of easing and appeared to be heading in the wrong direction.

"For there to be a unity plan, it must be reflected in action." He said the failure to unite would undermine MCA in the eyes of the Chinese community and pose problems in regaining their trust and confidence.

"I will find time to talk to them and will see if there is a common ground.

We will take it from there." On how he intended to resolve the crisis, Najib said: "Leave it to me." The prime minister said he might meet the MCA leaders before a proposed extraordinary general meeting on Nov 28.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai's supporters are seeking to hold the EGM to push for fresh party elections and break the impasse in the party.

Najib, speaking to reporters after the opening of the 14th International Paralympic Committee general assembly here, said many groups had expressed disappointment over the internal fighting in the MCA. The prime minister said the crisis in MCA would affect BN.

"Yes, it is going to hamper our efforts to revive BN's position in the eyes of the people.

"The people now see Umno as being very stable. It has gone through the process of reforming itself and is presenting a new image to the people." Najib hoped the other component parties within the coalition would make serious efforts in coming together and focus on the need to portray a positive new image for the BN.

On Wednesday, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat dropped Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and seven others aligned to vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai from the party's presidential council.

His decision to drop Liow's supporters has plunged the party deeper into crisis.

-New Straits Times