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Samy Vellu admits Hindraf is correct

January 13th, 2008
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Admitting that there had been several weaknesses in the government’s implementation and delivery system that led to the Indian sometimes losing out in various fields, he said the party would rectify them. “There are weaknesses, but they can and will be corrected.

Some people keep on condemning the 25/11 rally as unnecessary, "not our culture", penyangak, and so many other things. Just imagine the rally never took place. Would the Indian community get any attention. Nothing much in the last 20 -30 years. But now, more airtime in news, committees set up to manage temple issues, meeting with PM, awareness on equal rights, among others have occurred. Something that the leading party had failed to highlight or do while in power. But now, claiming there is some problem with implementation. For so many years, there was no weakness/problem is it? Only now the eye can see? Looks like a jolt like the rally is indeed needed.

SAMY VELLU: My door is always open

BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:

“My door is always open,” said MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to the Indians, especially to the youths and professionals.

Samy Vellu, who is also Works Minister, said he was willing to listen to any problem faced by the Indians, especially the youths. “Indian youths play a major role in ensuring unity within the community as they are a major force that will shape its future direction,” he said in a statement issued here today. Appreciating the role of Indian youths as “people who have the courage and wisdom to bring changes to the community,” he said the party was not making promises merely to canvas for support from the Indians.

“But MIC will strive to bring justice and fairness to them through the government by taking the necessary action,” he said.

Admitting that there had been several weaknesses in the government’s implementation and delivery system that led to the Indian sometimes losing out in various fields, he said the party would rectify them. “There are weaknesses, but they can and will be corrected.

“No government in the world can satisfy 100 percent the needs of their people. But what is important is to ensure that what we deserve is attained.”

Samy Vellu said the party would adopt a different and more practical approach in tackling the problems of the Indians. “We have been vigorously taking the necessary steps in the last four months and we expect to see some positive results soon,” he said. “We will be more open to hear their views, especially from the Indian youths.”

He said Malaysian Indians needed to unite to safeguard their future in this country, adding that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been sympathetic to their plight and had promised to address their problems.

Samy Vellu said the party which had laid a strong educational foundation for the Indian community with the creation of two institutions, namely TAFE College and the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology, was now striving to raise their economic position with several measures taken with the help of the government. “MIC has also fought hard to ensure better housing, healthcare and employment through training for the poor, especially single mothers and youths.”

He said the Indian community in Malaysia should not fall into despair, adding that only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government could ensure their future. “They should not be duped by the opposition parties who only want their votes in the coming general election.” However, he said, the party would work with anyone who wished to see the progress and development of the Indian community, but would fight “to the ground those who poison the minds of the Indians”.

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Leaders condemn assemblyman Krishnasamy murder

January 12th, 2008
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PM, DPM, SV, and others expressed shock over the assassination of Tenggaroh state assemblyman Datuk S Krishnasamy.

Leaders condemn rep’s murder

source

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has expressed shock over the murder of Tenggaroh state assemblyman Datuk S. Krishnasamy in Johor Baru yesterday, describing it as a cruel and despicable act. The Prime Minister said he wanted the perpetrators of the crime brought to justice swiftly. “I am shocked and saddened by the killing of Datuk Krishnasamy. This is a cruel and despicable act. I wish to express my condolences to Datuk Krishnasamy's family,” he said. 

Krishnasamy, 62, who was the Johor MIC deputy chairman, was shot dead in the lift of the Johor MIC headquarters. He was found slumped in a pool of blood by Johor MIC Puteri chief R. Vithiya Mohan. The motive for the murder is not known. 

A witness said he saw a man leaving in a hurry from the building on a motorcycle shortly after he heard what sounded like a gunshot. In Putrajaya, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak called on the public to cooperate with the police to solve the murder. “I am saddened and shocked by the news and on behalf of the Government I express our condolences to Krishnasamy's family,” said Najib. He said the police had briefed him and said they would speed up investigations to determine the motive of the killing. 

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu also expressed shock over Krishnasamy's death. “We have lost a strong and capable leader. I regret the loss of a very hardworking leader who has done a lot for the Malaysian Indian community,” he said. Samy Vellu, who is Works Minister, said Krishnasamy was a close friend, a hard worker and a high performer in politics. “He maintained his constituency well and was constantly in touch with the grassroots members. His death will be a great loss to the community,” he said. 

In Johor Baru, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman expressed shock over the incident and conveyed his condolences to Krishnasamy's family. Abdul Ghani described Krishnasamy as a good assemblyman who was committed to his work and serving the public. 

State MIC chairman Datuk K.S. Balakrishnan, who was also scheduled to attend the meeting at the MIC headquarters, described the death as a big loss to MIC. State MCA acting chief Tan Kok Hong said Krishnasamy was a good fried. “I have known him since 1995 and we had a good working relationship,” said Tan. Pengkalan Rinting assemblyman Low Teh Hian said Krishnasamy always sat beside him during the state assembly sessions.  “He cared for people of all races. Money was always allocated to Chinese schools and temples in his constituency,” he said.  

State Wanita Umno chief Halimah Sadique said Krishnasamy was an outstanding leader and his death was a great loss for the Mersing constituency. “Whenever we had election campaigns, we could see that he was well-loved by the people,” she said when conveying her condolences to Krishnasamy’s family on behalf of the state Wanita Umno. 

Abdullah shocked, condemns killing

source

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has expressed shock over the murder of Tenggaroh state assemblyman Datuk S. Krishnasamy in Johor Baru this afternoon, and described it as a cruel and despicable act. 

He said he wanted the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice swiftly."I am shocked and saddened by the killing of Datuk Krishnasamy. This is a cruel and despicable act," he told Bernama."I also wish to express my condolences to Datuk Krishnasamy's family." he added.

In Putrajaya, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak extended his condolences to the family of the late Krishnasamy. Najib called on everyone to co-operate with the police and not speculate over the incident. "I have been told by the inspector-general of police that every effort is being made to track down the killer," he said. Najib said although this was not the first time that an elected representative had been shot dead, it was not a culture. "We have to establish why this happened. We want to establish the motive."

Samy Vellu: We have lost a warrior

source

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC leaders are shocked and outraged over the brutal slaying of MIC Johor deputy chief Datuk S. Krishnasamy.

Krishnasamy, 61, who was also the Tenggaroh state assemblyman, was at the Johor MIC headquarters to attend a meeting when unidentified gunmen shot him at close range while he was in the lift. Krishnasamy died shortly after the incident yesterday afternoon.

MIC president and Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who was in India attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2008 meeting, expressed shock over the murder. "I am saddened by his sudden death. Such incidents should never have taken place," Samy Vellu said in a statement.
 

"We have lost a warrior who fights for the people. Krishnasamy was a capable and dedicated leader. "He was also a personal friend and he had always been a people's person," said Samy Vellu. In extending his condolences to Krishnasamy's family, Samy Vellu said he was leaving it to the police to investigate the killing.

MIC vice-president Datuk S. Veerasingam condemned the incident as ruthless and inhumane.  "This is not the first time such an incident, involving an MIC member, had taken place. I do not understand why such things happen," said Veerasingam.

Putera MIC leader P. Kamalanathan, who was also a personal friend of the victim, said Krishnasamy was one of the most vocal politicians who had championed youth programmes in the party and in Johor. "He had always supported the MIC education bureau by voicing education-related matters and took a personal interest in helping deserving youth to succeed," said Kamalanathan.

Krishnasamy, a former contractor, had been actively involved in politics since 1995 and won the rural state seat of Tenggaroh for three terms.  He was also a member of the MIC central working committee. Krishnasamy is survived by his wife, N. Sornavalli, and four children.

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samy vellu at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas India

January 8th, 2008
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The MIC, he said, had submitted several memoranda to the Government on the issues even before the Hindraf rally. “We don’t go to the streets to demonstrate. They (Hindraf) submitted a one-page memorandum, alleging that the Indians were marginalised, without giving any specifics,” he said.

What memoranda and what is the status? Or is it OSA protected?

Samy Vellu said the Government had set up a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to look into the problems of the Indians.

What committee is that? Surely it has a name right? Funny enough there was no mention of any committee headed by DPM Najib specially for Indians. Or did I miss anything?

Indian media 'grills' Samy Vellu

source

By A. LETCHUMANAN

NEW DELHI: MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was “grilled” by the Indian media over allegations that Malaysian Indians were marginalised. 

While he was speaking to the Malaysian media, the local press as well as foreign media butted in and raised questions on the Nov 25 illegal rally by Hindraf and issues such as discrimination and marginalisation of Indians. Samy Vellu, who is also the Works Minister, patiently replied to the questions for more than 30 minutes. 

Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2008, he said there was no demonstration or violence in the country as claimed by certain quarters. 

“It was a gathering by a group calling itself Hindraf. It is not a registered body or a union,” he said. He said the organiser of Hindraf was not in the country while the others were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA). 

Samy Vellu reiterated that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had looked after the interests of the Indian community. 

The MIC, he said, had submitted several memoranda to the Government on the issues even before the Hindraf rally. “We don’t go to the streets to demonstrate. They (Hindraf) submitted a one-page memorandum, alleging that the Indians were marginalised, without giving any specifics,” he said. 

Samy Vellu said the Government had set up a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to look into the problems of the Indians. “They (the Government) are giving more opportunities for Indians in civil sector employment, more funding for small businesses and other sectors,” he said. 

He also said a demonstration by 10,000 people did not mean the country faced an unrest. “Unrest means the whole community getting together and causing problems. This is not happening there,” he said, adding that the majority of the Indians were peace-loving and supported the Government. 

MIC also distributed copies of a booklet entitled Malaysian Indians — Then & Now, outlining the history and development of the community in the last 140 years to the 1,500 delegates of the conference as well as the Indian media. The colourful 20-page booklet also contains the Indian community’s representation in the government and civil service, education, Tamil schools, tertiary education and religion.

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chua soi lek resigns

January 2nd, 2008
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yesterday, i wondered if his apology would be accepted. Chua said he met PM, DPM and MCA chief to explain to them, and will continue with his positions.
 
Today, the papers were frantically updating news that he resigned. I saw in TV3 8pm news today his press conference. It looked more like a veiled threat when he said he got more than 200 messages highlighting other politicians' scandals. He seems to register his surprise that his honesty is rewarded with condemnation by the public. What cheek! perhaps he forgot that our country which abhor the "western culture" and is an epitome of religious citizens, won't tolerate this kind of activities. We can say that the urban people may take it lightly, but those folks in rural areas…I doubt it. his press conference was very cynical and sarcastic at times. Maybe he realised he was trapped and left for the wolves. There's no way out, so he leaves with a heavy heart, and I may dare to say, counting the days to exact revenge.
 
I have not seen the DVD, so I have no idea how clearly he can be identified. If there's no way out, the only thing to do is admit it, I guess.
 
Personally, I wonder if this DVD group will strike again? Sort of a vigilante people power group that documents evidence of immoral activities and criminal activities, and then publish it to all. Its wishful thinking I know, since this very much looks like a insider ploy, a political attack.
 
 
Chua quits all party, gov't posts
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jan 2, 08 3:44pm
Embattled MCA vice-president and Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek has quit politics altogether by relinquishing all his party and government posts with immediate effect.

He has also stepped down as the member of parliament for Labis. Up until his resignation today, he was also the party’s Johor state chief as well as the Batu Pahat division head.

Chua, who turned 61 today, made the stunning announcement at a packed press conference at his ministry office in Putrajaya, just a day after he vowed he would not resign in the wake of a sex scandal which featured him in a video recording.

Earlier today, some 50 party members had gathered at his ministry from various parts of Johor in order to dissuade him from resigning, but Chua was adamant about his decision.

“I have tended my resignation letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and MCA president Ong Ka Ting,” said Chua, who had been appointed health minister soon after the 2004 general election.

“I am relinquishing my position as health minister, MCA vice-president, Labis MP, Johor MCA liaison chief and Batu Pahat MCA division chief.”

Chua, who is married with three children, was caught in the scandal after the mysterious distribution of a video recording of his liaison with a woman he has described as a "personal friend".

Yesterday he had owned up to being the man in the video but stressed that he would continue performing his duties as a party leader and government minister. 

Flanked by supporters, a calm Chua told the hastily-convened press conference, which began at 3pm and ended 40 minutes later, that he arrived at the decision because “the rakyat wants me to resign”.

“I hope my resignation, made on moral grounds, will serve to be a lesson to not just MCA members, but to all the Barisan Nasional component party members as well – that those who commit offences and possess certain weaknesses must be responsible for their actions,” he said.

‘Not a hypocrite’

He expressed disappointment that the public has adopted a holier-than-thou attitude on the issue and noted sarcastically that "maknanya semuanya golongan ulamak" (it must mean they are all very pious).

Chua further said he felt proud that he had made the confession and that he could stand tall because he was not being hypocritical.

“I thought that by my admission, the people would forgive my weaknesses, but I thought wrong. This shows that honesty does not always pay, (but) it is up to the public to judge me,” he said.

Chua said his family was fully supportive of his decision, but conceded that the scandal was taking a toll on them.

"I live in a very close-knit family… I thank God that my family had shown support in this time of difficulty. I am a very family-oriented person and I am grateful that my family has shown me nothing but support.”

Chua’s wife Wong Sek Hin, had yesterday released a press statement professing her support for her husband.

Saying that his resignation would stop people from “following me everywhere (and) placing hidden cameras to capture my every movement”, he described this as a “very sick and unhealthy political culture”.

“I will not be the first nor the last to fall from this sickening method,” he said.

Line drawn

 He said his resignation was also prompted by what was best for “healthy political practice and the Islam Hadhari concept”.

Caustic to the last, he drew a line between his public and private life, refusing to comment on the incident portrayed in the tape.

"If you want to discuss my private life, please do. Maybe you would like to watch the videotape with me," he told the female reporter who had pressed him on the video clip.

Asked if he thought a political rival had recorded the footage, Chua said he did not want to speculate on the matter.

“The prime minister has personally told me that he would investigate who is behind the video, so let’s leave the matter at that.”

Chua had previously hinted at the possibility of a political motive on the part of the person who recorded the footage, said to have been recorded with cameras placed at four spots in a hotel room. Two videos were produced from the footage.

Despite the sombre situation, he was able to joke when asked what he intends to do now that his political career has ended.

“Maybe I will become a reporter. Maybe my vast experience will be of great value if I become a reporter,” he quipped to laughter.

Chua expressed gratitude to the Abdullah, the MCA leadership and his supporters before making his exit.

“I am now a regular person but I will always support MCA and the leadership of the BN government. (I) thank the party (for the trust it has) vested in me,” he said before waving to reporters and leaving the room.

Sex scandals among politicians are not uncommon in Malaysia, with several members of Umno – the dominant party in the ruling BN coalition – having been pressured to resign over the years.

Chua met Abdullah on Monday to discuss the situation and it was decided then that he had to go public with his identity.

The resignation will hit Abdullah's government hard. He is expected to call a general election this year although his administration's mandate runs until May 2009.

 
 
PM: Up to MCA to choose replacement
Andrew Ong | Jan 2, 08 7:19pm

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today said he accepted Chua Soi Lek’s resignation as the health minister and left it to MCA to choose a replacement.

“His decision (to resign) is appropriate,” said the premier in a specially arranged press conference at his office in Putrajaya this evening.

Just hours earlier, Chua in a hastily arranged press conference at his office at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya, announced his immediate resignation from all party and government posts.

Apart from his position as health minister, he is also stepping down as MCA vice-president, Labis MP, Johor MCA liaison chief and Batu Pahat MCA division chief.

Confirming Chua’s decision, Abdullah said that he would leave it to MCA to decide on Chua replacement. The party was holding its presidential council meeting to discuss Chua’s resignation while the premier was talking to the media.

No further actions

Abdullah also said that he did not think Chua's sudden resignation would throw the party into a crisis.

“I don’t think there is a crisis because the party leadership has the ability to handle the matter and face the general election,” he said.

The premier also said that no legal action would be taken against Chua over his sex scandal.

He added that Chua had decided to resign from all his posts after considering the public sentiments and the well-being of the party.

Abdullah also revealed that the matter was not discussed during the cabinet meeting today. Chua was also present at the meeting.

The prime minister said that he only became aware of the scandal yesterday, adding that he had not seen the video.

“Chua’s explanation yesterday is sufficient,” he said.

MCA's list ready

Chua was embroiled in a sex scandal after video recordings of him engaging in sexual activities with a woman surfaced in Johor last week.

Yesterday he admitted that it was him caught in action in the video and sought public apology for his actions.

Meanwhile MCA president Ong Ka Ting said that the party “regretfully accepts and respects his decision to be accountable for his actions”.

He also said that the party had submitted a list of potential candidates to replace Chua as the health minister to Abdullah.

“It is now up to the prime minister. It’s his prerogative to appoint anyone,” said Ong after chairing the two-hour emergency presidential council meeting.

Ong, who is the housing and the local government minister, also denied the existence of any internal dispute in the party.

He said that the party also strongly condemned those who were responsible for recording and distribution of the sex video.

 

Was Chua betrayed twice?

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/76604
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jan 2, 08 6:50pm

Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang today asked if MCA vice-president and Health Minister Chua Soi Lek was a victim of double betrayal which resulted in the latter to relinquish all his posts with immediate effect.

“Many questions surround the sudden demise of Chua as the fastest-rising star in recent MCA history, as he appeared to be quite unstoppable until he captures the top prize in the MCA as its president despite many powerful obstacles in his path,” said Lim in a statement today.

However he said that two immediate issues arise on the swift manner of Chua’s departure from the political scene, prompting questions if Chua had been the victim of a double betrayal.

“The first betrayal was the very orchestrated and professional manner in the surfacing of the video DVD. Who was behind it? All fingers point to his political enemies from within the MCA,” said Lim.

“The second betrayal was whether he had been misled into believing that his admission in his Labis statement would suffice, and he could continue to keep his government and party posts, when in fact, his Labis statement would be the basis to force him to relinquish his government and party posts – as has now happened,” added the DAP supremo.

These questions would dominate any debate or discussion of the sudden demise of Chua in the annals of Malaysian politics, added Lim.

In announcing his resignation today, Chua expressed disappointment that his decision to come clean with the scandal failed to save his political career.

“I thought that by my admission, the people would forgive my weaknesses, but I thought wrong. This shows that honesty does not always pay, (but) it is up to the public to judge me,” he said.

Not a surprise

Yesterday Chua held a press conference in Labis admitting to be the person caught in a video recording of having sexual acts with an unidentified woman. The video recording was distributed widely by unknown persons in Johor.

Chua said that the woman was a personal friend and sought a public apology over his acts. He also said that he had no intentions of quitting his government and party posts.

Lim said that Chua’s resignation today – merely 24 hours after standing his ground to remain in posts – had not come as a surprise to astute political observers.

“This is because after Chua’s Labis statement admitting that he was the man in the sex DVD, he had unleashed political forces in the MCA and Umno which have made it completely untenable for him to retain his government and party posts,” said Lim.

 
 
Barisan leaders declare their support

LABIS: Several Barisan Nasional leaders yesterday declared their support for Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and wished for him to continue serving the rakyat.

They also hit out at those behind the DVD, saying they had employed a dirty tactic to topple a politician.

Johor MCA liaison committee deputy chairman Tan Kok Hong said the DVD was an extreme example of using dirty tactics to damage the reputation of a politician.

"If we allow this to go on, anyone could be victimised. I hope this episode will not be repeated.

"Dr Chua has a proven track record in the development of Labis, ever since he became the MP for the constituency four years ago.
"He has contributed significantly to its development and has shown his dedication in improving the quality of life of the people in his constituency.

"We want him to be nominated as the candidate again in the next general election," Tan said at a press conference, which drew applause from other MCA leaders and members present.

Umno Labis division chief Datuk Sulaiman Tahar, who expressed his sadness over the matter, said Dr Chua had taken a bold step to come forward to reveal the matter rather than denying it.

He said he was disappointed that there were people out there who would intrude into other people's private life, especially if it was politically motivated.

"This is a shameless act. However, as part of the BN family, we will not allow this to shatter our unity and our spirit," he said.

Former health minister Datuk Seri Chua Jui Meng said his heart went out to Dr Chua and his family and he hoped that they would stay strong and united.

"I appreciate the fact that Dr Chua did not deny committing the act. It takes courage and humility to admit to it.

 
 
 
Chua Resigns
BERNAMA
source

MCA Vice-President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has resigned as Health Minister, and from all party posts as well as MP for Labis, with immediate effect.

Dr Chua, 61, made the announcement himself at a press conference held at the ministry at 3.35pm.

Yesterday, at a press conference in Labis, Johor, he apologised to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Cabinet ministers, party leaders and his wife and family for what had happened.

He also described the woman who appeared in the videotape engaging in sexual acts with him as his personal friend and that he did not make the recording himself.

Dr Chua said his resignation had been conveyed to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
“The (resignation) letter is finding its way to his (Abdullah’s) office,” he said at the packed press conference which lasted more than 45 minutes.

Clad in a dark suit, Dr Chua who was cool and collected, said: “I am relinquishing my position as Health Minister, MCA vice-president, Labis MP, Johor MCA liaison chief and Batu Pahat MCA division chief.”

He hoped that his resignation would be a lesson to all leaders whether in the MCA or other component parties of the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Dr Chua, who took his oath of office as Health Minister on March 30, 2004 after winning the Labis parliamentary seat in the general election that year by defeating DAP’s Tee Gey Yan with 10,729 majority votes, said he decided to relinquish all the posts after getting feedback from the people.

“After making my admission (yesterday), I was hoping that Malaysians would accept my apologies but from the feedback I received, they could not accept.”

Dr Chua said he did not want to be a burden to the party and government if he continued holding the posts.

He said as an MCA member who had held government positions for almost 20 years, he would remain loyal to the party and BN leadership.

The medical doctor who graduated from Universiti Malaya in 1973, began his political career as a Johor state assemblyman by winning the Penggeram seat in the 1986 general election and held the seat for four consecutive terms until 2004.

He was appointed state executive councillor for Human Resource, Consumer Affairs and Science and Technology (1990-1995); Environment, Consumer Affairs and Science and Technology (1995-1999); and Tourism and Environment (1999-2004).

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should chua resign?

January 1st, 2008
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his family accepted his apology. What about you? I've heard of politicians in many countries resigning for even flimsier reasons.

I am the one in the sex DVD, says Chua (updated)

source

LABIS: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek admitted he is the politician in the sex DVDs circulating in Johor. 

In a press conference here Tuesday, Dr Chua said the girl is his “personal friend”. 

He apologised to the Malaysian public, his supporters and colleagues. 

He said he did not make the tape himself. 

Dr Chua said he will not resign over the sex DVDs. He will leave that up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to decide. 

“I have seen the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and I have personally apologised to them,” he said while reading from a one-page statement during a press conference here Tuesday. 

Dr Chua, who was clad in a yellow balik shirt, added that he had met up with Abdullah on Monday. 

Asked about the reactions from Abdullah, Najib and Ong, he said that it was better to get a reaction from them as he cannot comment on their behalf. 

Dr Chua vowed to continue carrying out his duties as a minister, MP and party leader. 

Asked about his political future, Dr Chua said: “I leave it to my party members, leaders and the Malaysian public to be the judges. It's not for me to speculate.” 

The sex DVDs, on two discs, show Dr Chua and a woman engaging in various sexual antics. The two DVDs had been circulating in Muar, Tangkak and Batu Pahat over the past few days. 

The existence of the DVDs was first reported in the Chinese dailies on Sunday while a Bahasa Malaysia daily reported about it Monday.

Family stands by him, says wife

source

KUALA LUMPUR: The wife of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek in a statement Tuesday said that she stands by her husband. 

Datin Seri Wong Sek Hin said, “My husband had apologised to me and the family. 

“It is a difficult time for all of us but we have accepted his regret and apology. 

“He has been a good husband, father and family man who has never shirked his responsibilities. 

“We know that it will be difficult during this time but we will go through this together as a family and will support him.” 

At a press conference on Tuesday, Dr Chua admitted that he is the one in the sex DVD that has been circulating in Johor.

Chua: I'm the one in sex video
http://malaysiakini.com/news/76559
Jan 1, 08 4:32pm

Health Minister Chua Soi Lek today openly admitted that he was the person featured in a video depicting a man having sex with a woman purportedly in a hotel room.

Chua, 60, who is also MCA vice-president, made the confession at a press conference this afternoon in his parliamentary constituency of Labis in Johor.

However, he said that he will not resigned as health minister but will instead let Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi decide on his fate.

An apparently relaxed looking Chua vowed that he would continue his ministerial and party duties as normal.

The senior MCA leader, who is married with three children, also said that the 30-something woman featured in the video clip was a "personal friend".

“I am the man in the tape. The girl is a personal friend,” Chua said from a prepared statement at the Labis MCA headquarters at 4pm, accompanied by a group of 50 party supporters and local leaders.

The veteran politician emphasised that he did not make the tape himself.

“Who have done this is not important. What is most important is that my family, wife and children have accepted my apology,” he told the packed press conference.

Chua revealed that he had met with Abdullah yesterday as well as Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and MCA president Ong Ka Ting to “personally apologised to them”.

When asked what was the outcome of his meeting with Abdullah, Chua declined to answer and instead told the reporters to ask the prime minister.

According to Chua, he got a copy of the video from a friend on Sunday and he had watched the clip.

He said the reason for the person who made the video clip without his knowledge was "very obvious",  hinting that  he was a victim of a political conspiracy within the party.

He also said he was considering making a police report on the matter but added that the police had already started investigating the video.

Chua also refused to divulge the identity of woman in the video when pressed by journalists.

“I appeal to the press to give me and my family some space during this difficult time.”

Wife backs Chua

Over the past three days, the Chinese dailies have reported that DVDs – allegedly showing the politician in various sexual antics with a woman – were first distributed free in Muar and later, Batu Pahat and Seremban.

The scandal first broke on Saturday when copies of the DVD were anonymously placed in various streets in Muar town for people to collect. Some copies were even distributed by unknown individuals to a number of shops in the area.

Meanwhile, Chua’s wife Wong Sek Hin also released a press statement today supporting his embattled husband in the wake of the sex video scandal.

Wong, who was not present at today's press conference, said Chua had apologised to her and the family for his sexual indiscretion.

“It is a difficult time for all of us but we have accepted his regret and apology,” she added.

“He has been a good husband, father and family man who have never shirked his responsibilities.

“We know that it will be difficult during this time but we will go through this together as a family and will support him,” said Wong in the brief four-sentence statement sent to Malaysiakini.

Two video clips

According to those who have watched the tape, there were two separate DVDs depicting the alleged sex act purportedly recorded using closed circuit television (CCTV).

The first DVD lasting 56 minutes showed the entire sexual act from four different camera angles showing the bed, main door and living room.

Labelled as ‘(name of politician deleted) rapes and threatens woman’, a man can be seen walking into a room believed to be in a hotel and engages in sex with apparently a woman in her 30s.

Meanwhile, the second disc lasting 44 minutes was labelled ‘(name of politician deleted) sex video’ and featured the same sex act from a sole stationary camera that zoomed into the bed.

The couple can be seen in the video speaking in the Hokkien dialect.

The video clip begins with the politician in the room taking a shower and changing clothes. A woman later knocks on the door and is seen entering the room. The couple appears to know each other.

The video then shows the woman taking out a laptop and placed it on the bed, and then going into the bathroom and emerging later naked.

The woman then performs oral sex on the politician and this is followed by sexual intercourse on bed. The couple appears to be watching something, perhaps pornography, on the laptop during their sexual act.

Long political career

Chua, (photo, right) a trained psychologist, began his medical career as a government doctor in 1974 before moving into private practice two years later.

The senior politician, who hailed from Johor, was first elected state assemblyman for Penggaram in his home state in 1986. He held Penggaram for 18 years – winning the state seat in four consecutive general elections.

Chua was a Johor executive councilor – in charge of various profolios – for 14 years from 1990 to 2004.

He moved to federal-level politics in the 2004 general elections when he was picked to run for Labis, a parliamentary constituency near Segamat which was vacated by outgoing MCA chief Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Soon after the general elections, he was also picked by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as health minister, a much-coveted cabinet post.

From there, Chua moved up the party hierarchy at lighting speed – he bagged the second highest number of votes to become one of the four vice-presidents in the 2005 MCA polls.

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