He said it was apt for Leong, who is a state executive councillor, to be allowed to take leave to enable him to think clearly of his decision and the issue that had prompted him to do so.

“When he returns from leave, I’ll see him. But I have already spoken to him over the phone,” he told reporters after the presentation of disaster aid and cost of living allowance to fishermen at the Penarak Fisheries Complex here.

Leong announced his decision to leave MCA yesterday.

Bashah, who was then in Kuala Lumpur attending the Umno Supreme Council meeting, said Leong’s decision was unexpected.

“It’s alright. We will resolve the matter in the spirit of Barisan Nasional,” he added.

Leong, who is Gurun Assemblyman, told a press conference he would quit the MCA to protest the tabling of the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction [Amendment 2010]) Bill yesterday.

However, he did not quit as State Exco member and left it to MCA president Liow Tiong Lai to replace him (as Kedah MCA deputy chairman).

Following the announcement, Kedah MCA chairman Lee Chee Leong gave Leong two weeks to reconsider his decision.

Leong won the Gurun seat in the last general election and was appointed the State Environment, Chinese, Indian and Siamese Affairs, Health and Solidarity Committee chairman on March 20, 2014.

– BERNAMA