Commenting on media reports that there were suggestions from “outsiders” to expel the party from the coalition, Puad said such fears were unfounded.

“It’s impossible for Umno to be manipulated, and DAP would not dare. Moreover, there must be a consensus from the component parties,” said the Rengit assemblyman in a Facebook post.

“Therefore, MCA should not fear its own shadow. Every party has its ups and downs, just like Umno. There must be a way out. There’s no need to point fingers.”

In addition to Umno and MCA, BN is made up of MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.

Puad was responding to a claim by MCA president Wee Ka Siong in an interview with Chinese media that certain “outsiders” have suggested that Umno expel MCA from BN.

Wee claimed these “outsiders” previously accused MCA of betraying the Chinese by virtue of being allies with Umno, but were now close to Umno themselves and held positions in the government.

DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok has distanced the party from Wee’s claim, stating that she found the Ayer Hitam MP’s remarks amusing.

Kok said Wee’s statement seemed to reflect a loss of confidence in Umno, adding that Wee and other MCA leaders had a habit of “blaming DAP for every problem they faced”.