Chua: Money politics allegation a general reminder

MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek today clarified that his previous statement alleging a female deputy minister from his party is involved in money politics to lobby for candidacy was only a general reminder for all party leaders and candidates.

He said the reminder was issued after he received relevant complaints and was asked by the reporters on the complaints during his visit to a Chinese primary school in Ipoh on Sunday.

The reporter asked him whether he had received reports complaining that a deputy minister was involved in money politics and lobbying other BN component parties to support her candidacy.

“The complaints were valid and made by genuine complainants. Since there were complaints, I must respond to (the) enquiry by the media.

“Hence I gave a general reminder to all MCA leaders and candidates in a warning tone, hoping that they understand the party's criteria and procedures in fielding candidates,” he said in a statement today.

Chua stressed that he could not ignore the complaints as they were genuine.

Party’s support crucial

He elaborated that all MCA candidates must have the party's support and not just the blessing from other component parties.

MCA candidates, he said, are first decided by the party by considering their chances of winning and also the views from component parties, but the priority is to garner the support of the party and the voters.

During the press conference on Sunday, Chua has reportedlyaccused a deputy minister from his party of lobbying BN component parties to support her candidacy for the Gopeng parliamentary seat.

Chua had said he had been receiving complaints on this and also accused the deputy minister of indulging in "money politics".

Although Chua did not name the deputy minister, he did allude that the latter was female, thus narrowing the list to just Heng Seai Kie (left), who is women, family and community development deputy minister.

Yesterday, Heng had denied the allegation and stressed that she has no intention of contesting the next general election.