Saturday August 18, 2012

Komtar rep at centre of controversy once again

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik is embroiled in yet another controversy.

This time, the Komtar assemblyman is in hot water for calling Penang Sports Council (MSNPP) deputy chairman Datuk Ong Poh Eng an opportunist and reportedly deeming him unfit to serve on the council’s board.

The vernacular media quoted Ng as saying that Ong’s position in the board was a conflict of interest as he owned a sports equipment business.

Ong, who responded by saying that he had sold off his business, tendered his resignation during a meeting yesterday morning.

The board rejected it on the basis that Ong had “genuinely” helped with the development of sports in Penang.

Board member Leong Kin Weng, in defending Ong, called for sports and politics to be separated.

“Ong has been on the board since 2006. The council will continue to benefit from his close rapport with the National Sports Council and Youth and Sports Ministry.

“It takes years to groom an athlete to become a champion and many more years to produce someone of Ong’s calibre.

“He contributed his time, effort and even used several hundred thousands of ringgit from his own pocket to support the growth of sports by sponsoring equipment and attire,” Leong said.

Ng admitted calling Ong an opportunist but denied saying the latter was unfit to serve on the board and that he should resign.

“It is all a misunderstanding that began when we opened the floor for debate during the state Dapsy convention. I never asked him to step down. It is his own decision,” he said.

Responding to this, Ong said he would reconsider the board’s decision to reject his resignation.

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