KOTA BARU - THEY have also been told to behave themselves so as not to embarrass the party.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said party members must exercise discipline and abide by the code of conduct of the party.

Although the DVD sex scandal would not give the opposition a political advantage since Dr Chua had acted honourably by admitting to the affair and resigning, Najib reminded party members to behave appropriately.

With the general election coming, he said it was to be expected that issues involving party leaderships would surface.

He said the party would weather the storm, especially if the members held fast to the party spirit.

Najib also praised Dr Chua for making the right decision and said he had put the interests of the government and the party above his own.

"What he did was noble, courageous and right. It is not easy for anyone to do this and I appreciate it.

"I don't think this will provide mileage for the opposition as Dr Chua has done the right thing and I know the people appreciate his sacrifice.

"We did not force him to do this," he said at a press conference after a luncheon with state and federal government officers yesterday.

He said the prime minister was expected to announce Dr Chua's replacement soon.

In Kuala Lumpur, the cabinet will feel Dr Chua's absence.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Dr Chua had taken a bold move in also quitting his party post and that of MP for Labis.

"He made the right decision. I respect his decision to resign from all posts. He has put the party and the country before self."

He said Dr Chua would remain a friend, "although what is wrong is still wrong, a friend is still a friend".

Hishammuddin said he had spoken to Dr Chua and his wife Datin Seri Wong Sek Hin and advised them to be strong during this difficult time.

"Let this be a lesson to us. If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone."

In Penang, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Dr Chua's resignation was a great loss to the nation. He said Dr Chua had been an effective health minister and his departure from the cabinet would be felt.

On whether Dr Chua's resignation would affect the BN in the general election, Koh said Malaysians were mature enough to know the difference between a person's public and personal life.

"Voters should be able to exercise judgment and choose a candidate based on his political track record."