CYBERJAYA, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he is giving himself one week to find a solution to the MCA leadership crisis.

He said a formula would be drawn up during that period to reach a consensus among the disputing party leaders.

He said a series of meetings had been held with several party leaders to discuss the crisis in greater detail.

"The task is not easy because it involves the interest of the party as well as that of the nation," he told reporters after opening the global service centre of the World Health Organisation (who), here today.

He said he was given the mandate by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to tackle the problem by implementing pro-active measures as soon as possible to prevent the crisis from becoming worse.

"I've held a series of discussion, not with everyone, but certain individuals and I will continue with the discussion, if possible before the Prime Minister returns home (from abroad).

"At the same time, I'll continue to accept suggestions from the Chinese community leaders who have also voiced their opinion and observation on the crisis," he said.

The crisis, he said, must be tackled in the best manner possible to arrive at a 'win-win' situation for everyone concerned.

Commenting on the measures to be taken, Muhyiddin, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman, said he had no intention of disclosing any condition or strategy until the settlement formula had been achieved.

"In the initial stage, we don't want to set any condition. I feel the important thing is that they feel the measures that would be taken are aimed at resolving the problem and I feel, it has become a public secret, not a party secret any more. Everyone knows about it.

"What is important is that at this stage, I will not set any condition. What is certain is that when it comes to a particular stage, there is an agreement in principle. So, we want them to uphold the decision with the objective of reaching a settlement," he said.

He said the matter would not be announced to the public, including the media for as long as the objective had not be achieved.

"At this stage, it's okay because it is still at the initial stage but subsequent measures would be disclosed when everyone have reached a consensus on what needs to be done," he said.

Asked on Najib's suggestion that a fresh election be held by the MCA to resolve the conflict. Muhyiddin said that was the view of the Prime Minister which he was working on.

"I was instructed to adopt this approach, but I will find a way of getting the consensus of the MCA leaders. Time is rather limited and the faster the better, because if the conflict drags for several more months, the situation will become worse and will affect the MCA and the BN itself," he said.

Muhyiddin said it was not fair for him to make any decision for the MCA leaders as it was their right to decide on the best measure for the party.

"I feel I should discuss with them. It's not fair for me to announce because the right is not mine, but theirs. It involves the interests of everyone. Thus, the agreement must be achieved through a consensus and not due to pressure," he said.

Meanwhile, when commenting on a press report that Kelantan Executive Councillor, Datuk Husam Musa, would resign, he said it was clear proof that the leadership crisis faced by the opposition parties, including PAS, was becoming more critical.

In KOTA BAHARU today, Husam, who is also Kelantan PAS deputy commissioner II, denied the report that he would resign from the party and government.

In fact, he said, he would continue his struggles for the party and state.