Zahid: Wee's adviser post not a downgrade
Instead, Zahid said Wee was chosen based on his experience in the field...
MCA president Wee Ka Siong’s appointment as the investment adviser to Chinese nationals and corporations in Malaysia was not intended as a downgrade or insult, said BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Instead, Zahid said Wee was chosen based on his experience in the field.
"There is no (insult)... this is an agreement between the two of us and in appreciation of his role in bringing investors from China to help me as Malaysian Halal Council chairperson," Zahid told the media after officiating the Pahang Umno Convention in Temerloh, today.
The deputy prime minister said this when asked to comment on certain quarters within MCA expressing unhappiness over the matter.
Among those who questioned the appointment was former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker who felt the position did not match Wee's status as the leader of a BN component party, who is normally given a ministerial position.
Another MCA leader, who did not want to be named, said when the news of Wee's appointment was announced, some former ministers from the party also disagreed.
"This is considered impolite. It's like a slap in the face, with a hole being dug and the president being pushed into it," he told Malaysiakini.
Appointed last month
Zahid explained that Wee's appointment was made last month during an official visit to China.
"Wee's appointment was made during my visit to Shanghai last month and I announced it during the MCA meeting last week.
"This is based on his background and experience and he will follow up on the list of potential halal industry investors and work with Jakim (Islamic Development Department), Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) and HDC (Halal Development Corporation Berhad)," he said.
However, Zahid’s remark appeared to contradict Wee’s statement yesterday, where the latter claimed he was caught unawares over the appointment.
When asked to comment on the actions of tourists flying the China flag at an event in Ipoh recently, Zahid said it’s in the police’s hands.
"The matter has been handed over to the police for further investigation and I put my full trust in them," he said.
