MCA president Chua Soi Lek theorised that society likes to use conspiracies as excuses because this concept goes down well in Malaysia.

"It's good to talk about conspiracy because it sells," he told reporters today after the presidential council meeting.

He said this in response to the comment made by suspended radio DJ Jamaluddin Ibrahim that his indefinite suspension is a political conspiracy.

chua soi lek mca penang agm 010810 "This country lives on conspiracy. Nobody can stop them from claiming that it is a conspiracy," Chua ( left ) stressed.

He reiterated that MCA does not interfere with the radio station 988 and English newspaper The Star.

"The reason The Star is doing so well is because there is no political interference. With 988 the problem is with its CEO and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). So you should ask them why Jamal was suspended," he said.

Chua added that MCA values press freedom, but with freedom comes responsibility.

"No country had unfettered freedom. More so in a country like Malaysia, we have to be sensitive to ensure peace and stability," he said.

 Waiting for the right price

Regarding the MCA's shares in Nanyang Siangpau newspaper, he said that the party would consider selling its shares if the price was right.

Chua announced that the party will organise a 1Malaysia cultural award to honour prominent leaders.

"(Deputy Higher Education Minister) Dr Ho Kok Chong will chair this committee. Any person of any race can apply and there will prizes worth RM100,000," he said.

Chua also announced that a task force chaired by Deputy Home Minister Lee Chee Leong will assist the 25,751 Chinese residents who are applying for Malaysian citizenships.

"We will propose to the government to approve the applications of those over 60 and who have children with blue ICs," he said.

Chua added they will have a budget dialogue with the small and medium enterprises in the Chinese community on Sept 14.

"We want to get feedback and understand the needs of these enterprises. Their input will be helpful to the government to come up with a people-friendly budget," he added.