Former transport minister Ong Tee Keat today said he had disagreed with and rejected a memorandum written by his private secretary asking for vehicle registration plates bearing 'MCA' to be reserved for members of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

"I still remember, among the things that came to my attention which I rejected included this memorandum after I had returned to duty in March following some health problems," he said.

Ong also said that he had instructed that no car registration numbers were to be reserved for members of the public whether in Malacca or any state except for certain cases and after due diligence by his ministry.

He told this to reporters after making a visit to Kiwanis' Down Syndrome Foundation's premises in Petaling Jaya.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha, who is also MCA secretary-general, had revealed to the press the memorandum which was dated Feb 17, 2010 after he was asked to comment about rumours that vehicle registration plates from MCA1 to MCA 9999 were to be reserved for MCA members when the issuing of 'MBY' number plates in Malacca were completed.  

"I have this letter dated Feb 17, 2010. I need not say more," Kong had told reporters present when asked to elaborate on the matter.

Ong added that he could not understand why the new transport minister (Kong) did not delve deeper into the memorandum and verify the facts before issuing statements on the matter.

According to Ong, Kong also had not contacted him for clarification on the matter, more so when he (Ong) was still easily available as he was carrying out his functions as normal as the member of parliament for Pandan.

He also said any decision taken by a previous minister could be overriden by the succeeding minister.

- Bernama