‘It appears that there are companies in existence not for profit but to channel favours to our ministers. I think a while ago Korean conglomerate Hyundai had one such scandal exposed.’
On Tee Keat playing political 'Wheel of Fortune'
Ong Guan Sin: Besides financial transactions, what about the private jets transporting ministers for free? It appears that there are companies in existence not for profit but to channel favours to our ministers. I think a while ago Korean conglomerate Hyundai had one such scandal exposed. I think this is the beginning of the unraveling of political culture from over 50 years of BN rule.
Barrister at law: I find Ong Tee Keat's statements and attitude to be most surprising to say the least. It is to me a clear attempt to sidestep the real issue and to instead claim the high ground by asserting that he will pay out his own pocket "if", "but", "if" and "subject to", "without prejudice" "which is denied".
The issues are simple:
1. Did he act properly in making such requests?
2. Did he act within his authority to commit the government to such expense?
3. Is this the only occasion when the use of private assets was requisitioned by the minister?
Judging from news reports, Ong seems to be a person who is unable to contain his ego or arrogance. He seems to think nothing of making the strongest allegations against others, but when the position turns, he finds the very idea of being accused in turn to be offensive. He should learn from Chua Soi Lek to face up to responsibility and to gracefully account for what he has done.
AliBapak: If it had been someone from the opposition, MACC would have descended like vultures on the poor guy. Just because Ong is from BN, Umno is keeping very quiet about this whole issue.
I blame the rakyat for the decaying standards in the country as they voted for the BN and this is what BN is giving them in return. I believe this is only a tip of the iceberg. There are many more skeletons still hiding in the closets. A clear case is Muhyiddin Yassin using a RMAF helicopter to open Umno meetings in Sabah. Shame on BN and Umno.
Bobby: So what is MACC going to do about these allegations with solid proof? Hear nothing, see nothing and do nothing? Too busy looking for the receipt of the Selangor aide's RM2,400 Merdeka flag purchasing? How about Mohd Khir Toyo's ‘castle’? Where is your credibility if there’s any left?
Jeremy Tankh: The way this is going, many will start wondering, how many more of the MCA leadership are receiving ‘political donations’ from Tiong King Sing and other tycoons. And what if this is only the peak of the iceberg, then who ultimately calls the shot in MCA?
The bigger question is: is Tiong also a big funder of Umno politicians? This is not hard to imagine. Someone who is so generous with tens of millions to give away, and number of private jets to spare. Has his chairmanship of BN Backbenchers Club anything to do with his generosity towards his comrades in other component parties in BN?
Surely Umno is more promising in terms of return of investment, compared to MCA. And who is the bigger traitor of the Malay race? When someone give away the benefits and rights of the Malay in exchange for monetory profit, he is not a traitor. But when it is done for justice, fairness and democracy, he will be named a traitor.
Ghkok: The core of the issues are:
1. As reported, Tiong's company is falsely invoicing PKFZ to the tune of RM1 billion. That means Tiong's company is committing fraud - big time. Has he responded to that?
2. Who else is defrauding PKFZ? Are they identified in the report? The public wants to know.
3. Ong says that "external forces" are threatening his position and influencing the politics of MCA. We are waiting in suspense for the revelation of who these people are ... not just Tiong but the people behind Tiong.
Ong needs to be provided with full support and protection so that he can disclose the information without fear. The voters have a right to know who these people who can even threaten the president of MCA and a federal minister. They are a threat to national security.
Aramsawafer: MCA treasurer-general Tee Hong Seng told reporters that there were no records of the party having received RM10 million in donations last year. Does it means that the monies in cash were not reported to the MCA committee including the treasurer?
In other words, the monies were not banked into the MCA account. Then where is the RM10 million if indeed it had been handed over by Tiong to whoever is the alleged recipient or recipients?
Loyal Malaysian: So it's not just taking a ride in Tiong's private planes! Well, whatever, Ong ought to know there's no free lunch. This article confirmed my hunch that powerful forces are out to make him create history as MCA's president. To be frank, I am not bothered as Ong has not shown any leadership of the MCA that will make him be missed!
The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers.
