A government backbencher today called on MCA president Ong Tee Keat to withdraw from his post since he has lost the confidence of his own party and that his image has been tarnished.

Sri Gading member of parliament Mohamad Aziz also urged Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Koh Tsu Koon to do the same as he is deemed to be not performing well as a minister.

Mohamad said as a cabinet frontliner, a minister should not lose the confidence of his party members, more so not have his honour and image tarnished in the eyes of the public.

NONE "If they have lost their own party members' confidence, then they should no longer remain in the cabinet.

"If one have any morals and self-respect, one should step down. Don't create problems for the prime minister. Another person in the MCA can replace him. Why does he think he's the only clever one?" Mohamad said when debating on the Supply Bill 2010 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the minister involved should withdraw, in line with the government's slogan of ‘People First, Performance Now’.

"I am just saying what most people feel. If the people no longer want you, then just leave... get out."

Mohamad also questioned the government's action of appointing Koh as minister in the Prime Minister's Department overseeing the Key Performance Index (KPI) as he regarded Koh as not having performed well himself.

permatang pasir by election 110809 penang bc chairman koh tsu koon "How can you take care of KPI when you yourself didn't show good KPI? Your subordinates will have no confidence in you. So, how can you be effective as the minister in charge?

"I sympathise with my friend from Batu Kawan (former MP Huan Cheng Guan), who was a good MP but his seat was taken by the (Gerakan) president (Koh) who contested (in the last general election), but he lost the whole state. And still (he) wants to take care of KPI)?"

Mohamad also accused Koh of being an "apple polisher" for turning up in Parliament only when the prime minister was around, besides being a senator through the "back door".

Cheered on by the opposition

His comments, however, went down well with some of the MPs including from the opposition.

NONE Then in a gentler voice, Mohamad ( left ), who has been an elected representative for three terms, advised ministers not to be arrogant even with other elected representatives.

"As our elders say, 'when you look up at the sky, don't forget the grass you step on'. Today you are a minister, tomorrow you may not be. Better be like me, yesterday I was MP, today, tomorrow and forever an MP," he said, followed by laughter from the other MPs.

Deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee interjected, asking whether Mohamad had meant that he was not interested in becoming a minister.

"I had the experience of being a state exco member. Had to attend 241 meetings in a year, hardly had time for my wife and children. Ask the ministers who really work hard, they know the situation. Suffice being just a 'wakil rakyat', alhamdulillah, " he replied, followed by applause from those in the House.

In his debate, Mohamad also raised several issues, including the government's new policy of making it compulsory for all vehicles 15 years old and above to undergo annual checks at Puspakom for renewal of road tax from Jan 1 next year.

He said the policy would only burden the people, especially those in the villages, and would cost BN public support.

"My pakcik (uncle) in the kampung is looking for a 20-year-old car so that he can pay cash RM5,000 for it. Villagers want to buy old cars because they are cheap. But when you impose this new condition, it's crazy. It doesn't matter who came up with the policy, it's just crazy!", he said and asked the policy be scrapped immediately.

The move announced by the government yesterday is among 18 new measures introduced in the National Automotive Policy review to enhance competitiveness of the country's automotive industry and to ensure that the vehicles on the road are safe, of high technology and are environment-friendly.

- Bernama