PETALING JAYA: Another MCA leader has challenged Kampar MP Chong Zhemin to a debate over the "sell low, buy high" issue concerning Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd (MAHB) shares by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
MCA deputy information chief Neow Choo Seong stated that language is not an obstacle, as the debate can be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, or even Cantonese.
"Let's have Malaysians fully understand the implications of the EPF's privatisation deal involving MAHB.
"Let us also not forget Chong’s bold claim that he will step down if there is even a RM1 loss in the MAHB-EPF deal. I trust he will stand by his words and not retreat from this challenge," he said in a statement on Saturday (March 15).
On Feb 5, Chong said he would retire from politics if it is proven that EPF incurred losses in the MAHB privatisation deal.
Neow said the debate is not about political grandstanding but about upholding transparency, integrity, and the interests of the people.
Neow also said Chong’s challenge to debate the EPF’s losses in the MAHB privatisation deal is a matter that goes beyond politics.
"It is a matter of national interest that demands competency, accountability, and transparency (CAT) principles once championed by his own party’s veteran leader Lim Guan Eng," added Neow.
Neow said that Chong, as an MP, should be leading the charge in demanding transparency and accountability.
"Instead, his focus seems to be on opposing MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, who was vocal to raise concerns about this deal—concerns serious enough to warrant a referral to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)," said Neow.
"I am prepared to debate them openly and honestly," said Neow.
On March 12, Chong challenged Dr Wee to debate the alleged RM500mil losses by EPF in the MAHB privatisation deal.
In response, MCA Pahang Youth Chairman Wong Siew Mun urged Chong not to spin facts and confuse the people.
Wong said it is a DAP principle that a debate should be based on the party hierarchy and it is only fitting for DAP’s secretary-general Anthony Loke to debate Dr Wee.
Therefore, Wong said that she, MCA youth publicity bureau deputy chairman Chai Jie Yang, and MCA Publicity Bureau Chairman Chan Quin Er are ready to debate Chong over the issue.
"Man up, and let's debate in Bahasa Malaysia, English, and Mandarin before you retire. If you don’t want to debate me, there are other candidates to debate with," added Wong.
Recently, Dr Wee said the main argument regarding EPF’s losses was due to selling low and buying back the MAHB shares at a higher price.
According to Dr Wee, EPF’s shareholding was reduced from 15.5% to 5.79%.
