Kuala Lumpur - The leader of Malaysia's second-largest political party representing ethnic Chinese lost a vote of confidence Saturday, deepening a crisis that threatens the ruling coalition.

A total of 2,304 delegates from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) voted in Saturday's special polls, resulting in a slim 14-vote majority for a vote of no-confidence in party leader Ong Tee Keat.

Ong, an outspoken leader who helmed the party for one year, declined to say when he would officially step down, but told reporters he "respected" the decision of delegates.

The party vote followed a power struggle between Ong and his former deputy Chua Soi Lek, who attempted to stage a comeback after being sacked for his involvement in a highly publicised sex scandal.

But there was no celebration for Chua, as delegates also rejected his attempts at being reinstated as deputy president.

After months of public spats between the party leaders, analysts say the instability would likely deepen as supporters of both men continue the power struggle. (dpa)