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Thursday January 3, 2008

MCA condemns DVD culprits

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA presidential council strongly condemns those responsible for filming and distributing the Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek sex DVDs as it was a blatant intrusion of privacy of a citizen.

“We urge the police to take firm action against the perpetrators and to ensure that those liable are punished,” party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said at a press conference at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

The press conference followed a two-hour meeting by the council to discuss Dr Chua’s admission that he was the man in the DVD.

Ong said the council accepted and respected Dr Chua’s decision to resign from all party, political and government posts.

Stressing a point: Ong (third from left) responding to questions raised at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. With him (from left) are Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn, Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, and Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.
“We commend him for putting the party and the country before self. His willingness to step down voluntarily is an example of a responsible leader,” he said, adding that Dr Chua had been a hardworking and effective leader.

“He had also proven his capability as a minister by implementing many positive changes within his ministry since 2004,” he said.

Ong said the party wished to salute Dr Chua’s wife Datin Seri Wong Sek Hin and family for standing by him.

The following is an excerpt of questions and answers during the press conference:

Q: Who will be taking over the Health Minister’s post?

A: I have already given my view and recommendation to the Prime Minister. It is the Prime Minister’s prerogative. We will leave it to him to make the final decision.

Q: Who is the party recommending to replace Dr Chua?

A: The MCA is willing to have an acting minister for the ministry.

Q: How about his party positions?

A: We also concluded that his party positions will be decided during the party's central committee meeting on Jan 8. From now until Jan 8, Johor exco member Tan Kok Hong will be the acting Johor MCA chief. As for the Batu Pahat division chief's post, according to the party constitution, the deputy chief will take over automatically.

Q: Will the image of the party and Barisan Nasional be affected by the issue?

A: I think Dr Chua’s brave and decisive action will ensure that the image of MCA and Barisan will not be affected. What is important is that the party will continue to serve and benefit the people. Let us move forward from now on.

Q: Will you say his resignation is a loss to the party?

A: Yes, definitely. He is a very effective and hardworking leader. In fact, we are accepting his resignation with regret.

Q: Is this something that is political motivated?

A: I think you will hear all sorts of speculation when something has happened but what is important is that the party today has taken it very seriously. We hope the police will do their job. What is important is the whole political culture of the party is being upheld.

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