Embattled Tiew to quit posts to protect MCA

Sri Desa MCA branch chairperson Collin Tiew today announced his decision to relinquish all his party positions following his involvement in Malay rights pressure group Perkasa’s white envelope blunder.

Tiew said he would submit his resignation letters to the MCA headquarters tomorrow, citing his inactiveness in the party as the main reason behind the move.

“I have been mulling on quitting for a long time. I do not have political ambitions and I am not an active member,” he said.

Tiew made the sudden announcement by approaching three journalists an hour after he concluded a 90-minute press conference in which he explained how he was entangled in the controversy.

The three journalists were filing their reports at the press conference venue while the others had left. Tiew said he would inform other media organisations soon.

Why drag MCA into the issue?

Tiew fell under the spotlight after he brought some 50 people to Perkasa’s Chinese New Year event on Jan 29, where white envelopes filled with money were distributed instead of the traditional ang pow (red packets).

Chinese culture dictates that such envelopes are reserved for funerals and Tiew was criticised for accompanying Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali, who dished out the envelopes, as well as going on stage to translate his speech.

Tiew said he had attended the event as the leader of a welfare group and MCA should not be dragged into the controversy.

“Why drag MCA into the issue? I never introduce myself as an MCA branch chairperson whenever I do things,” he said.

At the press conference earlier, Tiew said he joined MCA so he “could do welfare works easier”.

“I seldom attend branch activities or follow political developments,” he said.