It is ironic that Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie was appointed as special adviser tasked with the implementation of the National Unity Blueprint, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said.

This is considering Heng's remarks that the Chinese have no reason to oppose the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the Malays will be paying more.

"Given Heng's move to racialise the GST issue in the run up to the recent Rompin by-election, she is certainly the most unsuitable and unqualified person to implement the national unity blueprint," the DAP vice-chairperson said in a press statement today.

Kok ( photo ) did point out that Heng had defended herself by saying China Press , who broke the story, had quoted her out of context.

Following this, a recording of Heng's interview had surfaced online, although she then said her GST comments had to be viewed in context with the entire interview with the vernacular Chinese newspaper.

This did not sit well with Kok, who criticised Heng for lacking the courage to own up to her mistake and apologise to the public.

"Yet the Prime Minister (Najib Abdul Razak) can think that she is fit to implement the unity blueprint!" said Kok in expressing her surprise.

"The prime minister has certainly made himself a laughing stock by appointing Heng to handle unity issues," she added.

'Explanation totally unconvincing'

In fact, she said she is certain that most cabinet ministers would be shocked at Heng's "racial approach on the GST issue" and her appointment by Najib to implement the National Unity Blueprint.

Yesterday, Najib had brought on Heng officially as the fifth special adviser on his team of minister-level advisers.

The Wanita MCA chief's tasks as special adviser seem to overlap with the portfolio of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup, who is officially in charge of national unity. 

This had prompted Kok to criticise the new special adviser appointment as being "most unnecessary, unjustifiable and a waste of public funds". 

Heng had earlier clarified this move by saying Kurup ( photo ) understands East Malaysia better as he is an East Malaysian leader, while she will handle West Malaysia.

The Seputeh MP rejected this explanation, calling it "totally unconvincing".

"If this is the case, does it mean that all ministers from the East Malaysia should have special advisers to assist them?" she asked. 

"It is obvious that Heng's appointment is merely another move by Najib to appoint BN politicians via back door to government posts," she added.