Then he contested the MCA deputy presidency, defeating Ong Ka Chuan, Donald Lim and Lee Hak Teik in a four-cornered fight.

[3] Despite that, Dr Chua was only appointed chairman of the Government Policy Monitoring bureau and left out of the MCA leadership in Johor by party president, Ong Tee Keat.

However, some central committee members, led by Liow Tiong Lai, previously aligned with Ong, demanded fresh elections.

In early March 2010, Chua and his supporters in the central committee (CC), joined other CCs led by Liow Tiong Lai, in resigning.

[11] In February 2012, Chua broke from Malaysian political norms by having a public debate with Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.

Chua said MCA remained adamant in not accepting any government post at both state and federal level, following its dismal performance in the just-concluded 13th General Election.

[17][18] On 1 January 2008, Chua Soi Lek admitted that he was the person featured in a sensational sex DVD that was widely being circulated in Johor.

The two DVDs were distributed anonymously in Muar and other towns in Johor show Chua having scandal with a young woman, described by him as a "personal friend."

[20] On 2 January 2008, he formally announced his resignation from all posts including Member of Parliament for Labis, vice presidency of MCA, and Minister of Health at a press conference.

[21] Chua later remarked his downfall was due to his dedication to his work as Health Minister and MCA Vice-President, which caused his political rivals to grow suspicious of him.