Nga clarifies statement, says no intention to offend Singaporeans

DAP vice-chairperson Nga Kor Ming said he had no intention of offending Singaporeans in claiming that its citizens will flock to Malaysia to work if Pakatan Harapan comes into power.

He claimed his speech last week had been reported out of context and his political rivals used that to attack him.

During Muar DAP’s fundraising dinner last Thursday, Nga had, in referring to Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim, urged voters to choose a prime minister who is capable of resetting Malaysia’s ailing economy.

“So, we have to change the government. Then, we can ask Singaporeans to come to Malaysia to work, not the other way around,” he said.

Nga clarified yesterday that he meant Singaporeans could be enticed to work in Malaysia if the Malaysian government is free from corruption and can offer better job opportunities.

“What I said was, Malaysia and Singapore share a close relationship, the two countries should have worked together to reach a win-win situation.”

Nga added: “Malaysia is blessed with natural resources, but for decades it has been trapped in racial politics, theocracy and corruption.

“This caused over 400,000 Malaysians to travel across the Johor-Singapore causeway every day to work in Singapore (due to higher currency exchange rates).

“If Malaysia's economy is strong and our currency is stable, Malaysians won’t have to struggle to work in Singapore, we could even offer better jobs to attract Singaporeans to come and work here.”

He reiterated that there was “absolutely no intention” to offend Singaporeans and stressed that Malaysia and Singapore share an amicable relationship.

He said the two countries should work together and build a strategic partnership for the well-being of the people in Southeast Asia, especially for Malaysia and Singapore.

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