Press Statement by MCA on Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek

2 Official Press Statements from MCA on the issue concerning Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek.

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MCA Website Article 1

The MCA Presidential Council regrets that our Vice-President, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek has decided to resign from his Cabinet post as Health Minister and Member of Parliament for Labis, along with his other positions held within the party.

The Presidential Council regretfully accepts and respects his decision to be accountable for his actions. It must have been a difficult decision for him, and we commend him for putting his party and the country before self. His willingness to step down voluntarily is an example of a responsible leader.

Datuk Seri Dr. Chua has served the party loyally since he joined in 1977, and subsequently as Batu Pahat’s Division Chairman in 1985. He has been a State Assemblyman from 1986-2004, and a Member of Parliament of Labis constituency since 2004. He also held the position of Johor EXCO from 1990-1999, and was voted in as party Vice President in the 2005.

He has been a hard working and effective leader, and an exceedingly competent Minister of Health. He served his people diligently and hence, is well liked both at the local and national levels. He has also proven his capability as a minister by implementing many positive changes within his ministry since 2004.

The party leadership strongly condemns those responsible for filming and distributing the DVDs as it is a blatant intrusion of privacy of a citizen. We strongly deplore such actions. We urge the police to take firm action against the perpetrators and to ensure that those liable are punished.

The party wishes to record our appreciation to Datuk Seri Dr. Chua for his loyal service to the party, the community and the nation. Our hearts are with him and his family as they weather this very difficult period. We salute Datin Seri Wong Sek Hin and the family for standing by him and for providing him the pillar of strength to go through these times. We sincerely offer our best wishes to him and his family.

-MCA online-

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MCA Website Article 2

In view of the decision by Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to relinquish all his government and party positions, MCA President YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting announced that YB Tan Kok Hong, Assemblyman for Bekok will assume the position of Acting Chairman for MCA Johor State Liaison Committee temporarily pending further decision by MCA Central Committee which will convene on 8 January 2008.

The MCA President also announced that in accordance with the party's Constitution, the Deputy Chairman of Division will serve as Acting Chairman of a party's division in the absence of a division head. Therefore, the Deputy Chief of the MCA Batu Pahat Division, YB Koh Chee Chai will assume the post of Acting Chairman of that division.

Given the interest into who will now take over the Health Minister's portfolio, Ka Ting informed that "MCA has given its view to the Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi. The Prime Minister has the prerogative to make the final decision and we will respect the Prime Minister's prerogative."

Disputing a reporter's inquiry if the scandal had brought down the image of MCA and BN and urging Malaysians to move ahead, Ka Ting said that "the image of MCA and Barisan Nasional remains. What is important is that the party will serve the rakyat. Let us move forward."

Meanwhile, Ka Ting also conveyed hopes that the police will uncover the culprit(s) responsible for the violation of the privacy of a citizen and distributing the DVDs.

He also expressed regret at Soi Lek's departure adding that "his (Soi Lek's) resignation is a loss to the party as he had been an effective and hardworking leader." The MCA President also highlighted that Soi Lek's decision to resign from all posts revealed that he had placed the MCA, Barisan Nasional, the government and the country before himself and had taken accountability for his actions.

Meanwhile, to another reporter's question on "speculations", Ka Ting said that "when something happens, you will hear all sorts of speculations. The party views them seriously and hopes the police do their job. But what is important is that the whole political culture of the party is upheld."

-MCA online-