Gopeng Umno has deflected MCA president Chua Soi Lek’s criticism of Perak MCA Wanita chief Heng Seai Kie for allegedly lobbying to contest in the Gopeng parliamentary seat and “indulging in money politics”.

According to a New Straits Times report today, Gopeng Umno division chief Hamzah Mohd Kassim said the allegation had emerged after she frequently visited the constituency to help those in need.

“She was appointed to oversee the constituency in July last year and since then, she has attended more than 40 functions,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that the claim of money politics came about after she gave out aid to single mothers and children at a Hari Raya open house there.

NONE However, Hamzah stressed that Heng ( right ), who is also Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister, had merely presented the funds which were allocated by event organisers.

He added that Gopeng Umno had also suggested that Heng be nominated as the candidate for MP in Gopeng as they wanted a senior leader to represent the constituency.

Chua had on Sept 16 claimed that a female MCA deputy minister was trying to influence BN partners to support her candidacy in Gopeng and accused her of money politics.

Heng is the only female deputy minister from MCA.

She had initially expressed doubt that Chua was referring to her but later said she was shocked by the statement.

“If the constituency ‘adopted’ by me needs help, I have to go there and solve the problems and give funds in order to help BN to win the people’s confidence and the next general election,” Heng had said in response.

MB to Chua Jr: Have some dignity