Guan Eng threatens to sue Tajuddin over 'MOF turned tokong' remarks

Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng is threatening to sue incumbent Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for defamation.

This is over the latter’s claim that, during Lim's tenure, the Finance Ministry had become like a Chinese temple that was unwelcoming to Malays.

Lim (above) told a press conference in Penang today that his lawyers will be sending a letter of demand to Tajuddin.

“I am forced to take legal action because this is clearly defamation,” he said.

Lim did not disclose the terms of the letter of demand, or how much time he will give Tajuddin to respond once it was sent.

Last week, during a Sinar Harian forum, Tajuddin accused Lim of sidelining Malays at the Finance Ministry.

“How many Malay staff were fired? The Finance Ministry’s office was transformed to look like a Chinese temple. Many went in wearing shorts.

“Are there any Malays who can even step on the stairs or enter the office at that time?” he had said.

Lim, who is also DAP chairperson, said that the only time Chinese lanterns were hung at the Finance Ministry while he was in office was during Chinese New Year.

Likewise, he said, ketupat were hung up during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and kolam drawings were made for Deepavali.

He said this was a clear attempt to make the 15th general election campaign a racial one.

“I am very sad that the campaign centres around race and religion, and does not touch at all on the economy,” he said.

He said politicians should instead be focusing on issues such as the ringgit’s decline against the US dollar.

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