MCA chief explains why estranged deputy snubbed
Gabrielle ChongPublished: Apr 10, 2009 10:10 AM | Updated: Apr 10, 2009 10:13 AM
MCA deputy president Chua Soi Lek was not given a ministerial post because he is not a member of parliament, said party president Ong Tee Keat today.
MCA deputy president Chua Soi Lek was not given a ministerial post because he is not a member of parliament, said party president Ong Tee Keat today.
When pressed on the issue by a journalist at a press conference today, Ong snapped, "Old question. I've answered that the day before yesterday."
An irritated Ong however continued, "Have you read the federal constitution? I think you should have done your homework.
"Only members of parliament or senators may be appointed as cabinet ministers, not any Tom, Dick or Harry, my dear, okay?"
He however did not explain why his estranged deputy was not made a senator so that Chua is eligible to be brought into the cabinet.
Ong was also visibly irked when asked for his opinions on the new cabinet line-up.
"You're late. I've already answered that question yesterday. Can you think of anything else?" he told the journalist who had sought for his views on the matter.
"But I can give a brief summary of what I've already spoken yesterday,” he continued.
"First of all, I'm grateful for the trust that Prime Minister Najib Razak has given to MCA, retaining not only four ministers and six deputy ministers, but also introducing a new deputy minister from the party.
"Of course, it's important to have a multiracial cabinet, but what is even more important is how the cabinet will implement Najib's vision of 'One Malaysia'."
Of the 11 MCA leaders who were roped into the cabinet, newly-minted Women, Family and Society Development Minister Chew Mei Fun was appointed senator yesterday.
In becoming a senator, Chew, who lost her Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat in the March 8 elections, could be included in the new cabinet.
Another MCA leader, Wanita wing’s secretary-general Heng Seai Kie, who was appointed senator in 2006, was named deputy minister of information, communication, arts and culture despite being a relative novice in the party.
Chua, however, was overlooked for senatorship despite his vast experience in government and seniority in the party.
Why no Chinese DPM?
Speaking at the launch of China Press' 'Five Hearts Car Team' charity event, Ong was also asked about why there was a minor reduction to the size of the cabinet.
"There are two ways of downsizing the cabinet. The first would be a gradual change in the number of ministries while the second would be a drastic reorganisation of the cabinet.
"The latter would involve sudden mergers or even abolishment of a few ministries, which is a difficult and complicated process to implement," he said in explaining minor changes to Malaysia’s XXL-sized cabinet.
The previous cabinet had 31 members, considered big for a country with 25 million people. This has since been reduced to 29, despite earlier talks that it could be slashed to 20 or 25 ministers.
At today’s press conference, Ong appeared reluctant to answer questions on the cabinet, including why Najib had not heeded MCA's suggestion to appoint a Chinese deputy prime minister.
"Anybody may give their opinions, but it is up to the prime minister to make such decisions," said Ong.
When pressed on the issue by a journalist at a press conference today, Ong snapped, "Old question. I've answered that the day before yesterday."
An irritated Ong however continued, "Have you read the federal constitution? I think you should have done your homework."Only members of parliament or senators may be appointed as cabinet ministers, not any Tom, Dick or Harry, my dear, okay?"
He however did not explain why his estranged deputy was not made a senator so that Chua is eligible to be brought into the cabinet.
Ong was also visibly irked when asked for his opinions on the new cabinet line-up.
"You're late. I've already answered that question yesterday. Can you think of anything else?" he told the journalist who had sought for his views on the matter.
"But I can give a brief summary of what I've already spoken yesterday,” he continued.
"First of all, I'm grateful for the trust that Prime Minister Najib Razak has given to MCA, retaining not only four ministers and six deputy ministers, but also introducing a new deputy minister from the party.
"Of course, it's important to have a multiracial cabinet, but what is even more important is how the cabinet will implement Najib's vision of 'One Malaysia'."
Of the 11 MCA leaders who were roped into the cabinet, newly-minted Women, Family and Society Development Minister Chew Mei Fun was appointed senator yesterday.
In becoming a senator, Chew, who lost her Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat in the March 8 elections, could be included in the new cabinet.
Another MCA leader, Wanita wing’s secretary-general Heng Seai Kie, who was appointed senator in 2006, was named deputy minister of information, communication, arts and culture despite being a relative novice in the party.
Chua, however, was overlooked for senatorship despite his vast experience in government and seniority in the party.
Why no Chinese DPM?
Speaking at the launch of China Press' 'Five Hearts Car Team' charity event, Ong was also asked about why there was a minor reduction to the size of the cabinet."There are two ways of downsizing the cabinet. The first would be a gradual change in the number of ministries while the second would be a drastic reorganisation of the cabinet.
"The latter would involve sudden mergers or even abolishment of a few ministries, which is a difficult and complicated process to implement," he said in explaining minor changes to Malaysia’s XXL-sized cabinet.
The previous cabinet had 31 members, considered big for a country with 25 million people. This has since been reduced to 29, despite earlier talks that it could be slashed to 20 or 25 ministers.
At today’s press conference, Ong appeared reluctant to answer questions on the cabinet, including why Najib had not heeded MCA's suggestion to appoint a Chinese deputy prime minister.
"Anybody may give their opinions, but it is up to the prime minister to make such decisions," said Ong.
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