KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has announced his resignation as MCA deputy president and Central Committee member to pave the way for fresh party elections.

His resignation takes effect Thursday.

Seven other CC members also resigned: MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and elected CC members Datuk Gan Tian Loo, Datuk Dr Por Choo Chor, Datuk Tan Chai Ho, Datuk Chong Itt Chew, Datuk Tee Siew Keong and Loh Seng Kok.

At 3pm, another 13 elected CC members including party vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai submitted their resignation letters dated March 3 to party chief administrative director Lim Chin Hai.

This group had earlier given their undated resignation letters to the party secretary-general Senator Datuk Wong Foon Meng on Dec 15 last year.

The other 12 are Tan Kok Hong, Lee Wei Kiat, Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Yu Chok Tow, Wong Nai Chee, Datuk Wee Jeck Seng, Senator Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Thiam, Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Liew Yuen Keong, Datuk Wong Mook Leong, Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai and Senator Datuk Alex Wong Siong Hwee.

MCA is now expected to conduct a fresh election for its central committee next month as the resignations have triggered fresh party polls as provided for under the party constitution.

The MCA constitution had stated that the party must hold a fresh election for the central committee within 30 days if at least two-thirds or 21 of its 31 elected members resigns before their term expires.

The MCA holds triennial elections and the current line-up was elected in October 2008.