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hindu reps fighting each other now

January 3rd, 2008
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Barely 6 weeks after Hindraf rally, these jokers are into it again. Splitting the community with their own groups, councils and whatnots.

Where is Malaysian Hindu Sangam? They always seemed to release press statements on time. Have they been left out in the cold since meeting with PM?

Every participant to the meeting should bring video cameras, tape recorders and other recording devices so that everything is captured clearly.

Temples: Don't meet with poseurs, Khir urged
http://malaysiakini.com/news/76651
K Kabilan | Jan 3, 08 6:56pm

A group of Indian NGOs today objected to a meeting to be held tomorrow between Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and several Hindu temple representatives over the issue of temple demolitions in the state. 

The main crux of their complaint is the credibility of the newly-formed umbrella body that claims to represent Hindu temples and Hindu-based organisations in Malaysia and its chairperson R Nadarajah (left).

“Nadarajah and the organisation he leads – the Malaysian Hindu Council (MHC) – is not the most credible and recognised group in the community,” said N Mahendran representing 29 Indian-based NGOs.

“Nadarajah and the Malaysian Hindu Council have allowed the desecration of the holiest Hindu place of worship in Malaysia and the region,” he told Malaysiakini.

Mahendran was referring to the violent dispersal by police of a large crowd who had gathered peacefully at the compound of the Batu Caves Hindu temple in the early hours of Nov 25 last year.

The crowd had arrived there prior to participating in the much-talked about Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) organised rally in Kuala Lumpur later that morning.

The police have said that they had acted after they were called in by the Batu Caves temple management committee, which Nadarajah heads.

Mahendran said that the Malaysian Hindu Council only came onto the local scene in recent months.

“Only a handful of NGOs are aware of their existence and as such they can’t truly and honestly represent the interests of the community,” he said, adding that a more accepted established body, the Malaysian Hindu Sangam, should attend such meetings with government leaders.

Election gimmick

The Seremban-based Indian Malaysian Active Generation also felt that the Malaysian Hindu Sangam was a more appropriate body to talk to Khir on matters pertaining to Hindu temple demolitions.

Its spokesperson Yohan Vivegananthan questioned why Nadarajah’s group had suddenly come into the picture talking about protecting temples.

“Why only now? Where was this Malaysian Hindu Council during the demolition of the many Hindu temples in Selangor?” he asked. 

He said that the meeting organised by Nadarajah’s MHC was merely ‘an election gimmick’ to hoodwink the community into believing that something was now being done to protect Hindu temples from demolition. 

Another vocal grassroots movement, Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), also raised the credibility issue not just of Nadarajah’s but also of Khir’s in holding their meeting tomorrow. 

“Both of them have played direct or indirect roles in the desecration of Hindu temples in the state,” GCC’s coordinator Charles Santiago (right) told Malaysiakini.

He said Nadarajah should first apologise to the community for allowing the police to enter the Batu Caves temple compound on Nov 25 last year.

As for Khir, Santiago said that the Selangor menteri besar had allowed many Hindu temples in the state to be demolished without listening to the pleas of devotees.

“How can they then talk about protecting temples?” he asked.

‘They were trespassing’

The meeting tomorrow between Nadarajah’s MHC and Khir will be the first of its kind.

“We are calling on all temples in Selangor to provide us with the information […] all issues can be solved (at the meeting),” Nadarajah said in a statement last week. 

He also said that the Malaysian Hindu Council will be gathering information, among others on the size, land ownership and registration of Hindu temples. 

According to the state government, there are between 800 and 900 Hindu temples – both big and small – in Selangor.

On the Nov 25 crowd that had gathered at the Batu Caves temple, Nadarajah claimed that the crowd had trespassed into the temple and caused damage.

“Temple property (was) damaged. We need to lodge a police report to claim the insurance money. We never lodged a report against anybody but only on the trespassing,” he said.

The controversial meeting tomorrow was originally scheduled for 4.30 pm at the Batu Caves temple but the venue has now been shifted to the Prangsang Templar Park Golf Club in Rawang.

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chua soi lek resignation press conference

January 3rd, 2008
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NST

'Whoever makes mistakes, should be responsible'

Q: Why are you resigning, less than 24 hours after you said you would not?

A: After I made the admission, I had hoped Malaysians could accept my apology but, unfortunately, based on what I see on public feedback, they won't accept it. Some Malaysians have a holier-than-thou attitude.

However, I hope my resignation is based on a moral issue and becomes a lesson to party leaders whether in MCA or other Barisan Nasional components. And I think whoever makes mistakes, or has weaknesses, that he as a leader should be responsible. I have stepped forward not just to the country and party leaders but also the public. It looks like it is unacceptable, so I think it is better for me and my family that I resign so I won't be a burden to the leadership.

Q: Do you think the distribution of the DVD is related to the upcoming party election?

A: As I said before, I would not like to speculate. Everywhere I go, I receive no less than 200 SMSes condemning certain party leaders of whom I will not go into because I don't want to see my party split the moment I leave.

Q: Where is this feedback from?

A: I think public opinion has not been in my favour. Leaders in a democratic country are elected by the rakyat, so they have to listen to the rakyat.

Q: Will you be active in politics again?

A: No, I already said I am resigning from my posts. If I want to do so, I will have to start all over again, as in 1978. I'll have to start from branch and division. I don't think I am young enough for that any more so I don't have to look to the back to see if anyone is following me, or if anyone is putting (a camera) in my hotel room. No more. I am now free, like you ladies and gentlemen.

Q: So what will you be doing now?

A: Well, I hope to be a reporter (laughter in the room). In view of my experience in politics, I think I'll be a good reporter. If there's any good offer, I'll take it.

Q: What did you think the response would be when you made your admission?

A: When I announced, I thought there would be a good response. But Astro and China Press respectively said 91 and 99 per cent of the people wanted me to resign. So it's better that I resign.

Q: Who do you think will be your successor as health minister?

A: That you have to ask the prime minister. I don't think I'm the right person to answer because at this moment, I'm just Datuk Seri Dr Chua. I'm not even a Yang Berhormat any more.

Q: How are your supporters taking it?

A: I must thank my Batu Pahat supporters. They are disciplined and dedicated MCA members. And MCA Johor is a strong organisation. Sometimes, strong organisations are targeted. If not, then it's not politics. And since I was made health minister, I have worked hard to fulfil the wishes of the public, MCA leadership and government. And because I focus all my efforts on work and the party, some people might think I am a threat. That is common in politics.

Q: Have you any feedback from the woman in the video?

A: I think that's not important. I should not be discussing my private life. If you are interested, then you should see the tape with me. Would you like to see the tape with me?

Q: You keep on talking about (Datuk Seri) Ong Ka Ting's healthy political culture. Is it being practised now?

A: Do you think that intruding into a person's private room in a hotel, filming it, keeping the recording for a few months and then distributing it, is healthy political culture?

Q: Will you go into business?

A: No, I don't like to do business. That's why I never said the tape came from business circles, or business enemies because I have never been involved in business and politics at the same time.

Q: What do you think you have achieved in your tenure?

A: I'd rather not talk about it myself. Let the public decide. If I say I did something but the public does not want to acknowledge it, they will say that I am simply blowing my own trumpet.

Q: Are you angry?

A: Do I look angry or happy? Let's be honest. Do I look angry or my usual self?

Q: Do you think this is a political assassination?

A: In my 20 years in government service, I have never done business. I have never awarded a contract to people favourably. And it is not because of ransom. No one has come up to me demanding money. If so, then it is easier to settle.

The Star

‘People wanted me to quit’

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek quit all his government and political posts because Malaysians wanted him to do so after he admitted being the man in the sex DVD. 

“Well, after I made the confession, I hoped Malaysians would be able to accept my apology. But unfortunately, based on the feedback that I have received, I observed that Malaysians were unable to do that,” he a told a press conference yesterday. 

Dr Chua said his resignation as Health Minister, Labis MP, MCA vice-president, Johor MCA state liaison chairman and Batu Pahat MCA division chief took effect immediately. 

Excerpts from the press conference:  

THE ANNOUCEMENT 

With this, I would like to announce that I have conveyed my intention to the Honourable Prime Minister, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and also to the Yang Berhormat MCA president that I am resigning as Health Minister immediately. With that, I also resign from my posts as Labis MP, MCA vice president, Johor MCA state liaison chairman and Batu Pahat division chief.  

This will take effect with the letter that I have handed over to the Prime Minister’s Department. However, I will continue to support the leadership of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.  

Even though I do not hold posts from today, I will continue to be with my fellow comrades in MCA. As a member who has held government posts for almost 20 years, I will continue to support the Barisan Nasional government.  

THE RESIGNATION 

Q: Datuk Seri, why did you change your mind after 24 hours?  

A: Well, after I made the confession, I hoped Malaysians would be able to accept my apology. But unfortunately, based on the feedback that I have received, I observed that Malaysians were unable to do that. Some Malaysians can be said to be “holier than thou”. This means they are all ulama (religious teachers). So, I think if I continue to hold positions in the party or Government, this will be a burden to the Government and party, especially in the context of Islam Hadhari. And also in the context of what has been recommended by my president, which is healthy political culture.  

However, I hope my resignation, which is based supposedly on moral issues, will be a lesson to other leaders, whether from the MCA or any other component party. I think anyone who has made a mistake or has certain weaknesses, then he has to be responsible as a leader. 

And I have already stepped forward in front of not only the leaders of the country and party but the people. And it looks like it cannot be accepted. So, I think it is better for my family and I that I resign so that I will not be a burden to the country’s leadership. 

Q: Will this matter severely affect the support from the Chinese community for Barisan?  

A: No. I thought a lot of people think I am a baggage to carry because they want to behave like “holier than thou”. Maybe the support will increase.  

Q: Why is that so?  

A: Because then they think all they have in the Government are all very clean. 

Q: When did you send in your letter?  

A: I have already sent it before I see you people. 

Q: What about the timing?  

A: I think the timing is not important. The important thing is that I make the official announcement in front of all of you. The letter to the Prime Minister has been sent and is finding its way to the Prime Minister’s office. In this context, I also want to thank MCA members and supporters and also the MCA leaders who have given their support and cooperation to me all this time since I became wakil rakyat in 1986. And also as Health Minister, I want to thank and extend my appreciation to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and also the Barisan Nasional leadership in the Cabinet, who have supported and co-operated with me. 

So, beginning today, I am a regular citizen and with that, I hope I will not be a target by certain parties.  

The Prime Minister has assured that the Government will investigate the source and who is behind the tape so that it does not become a practice to cause the downfall of anyone.  

I am not the first and I will not be the last to become the victim in this way to bring a leader down whether at state or national level. I am sure I will not be the first and I will not be the last.  

Q: Was the decision to quit made based on the input from these “holier than thou” people or was it also on the advice from other people?  

A: Well, I think the Malaysians.  

They say you wear a mask to go to work. That is not what I say. That is what Shakespeare said.  

Q: So, it was solely your decision?  

A: Yes. Because I cannot have an image that I am holier than thou. Whatever the decision I make, it will always be subjected to scrutiny.  

Q: When did you decide?  

A: Just now. This morning. After I announced it, I thought the results would be good. But Astro reports that 91% want me to resign. China Press says 99% wants me to resign. So, it is better that I resign.  

Q: Is the resignation because the response was not as you expected?  

A: I thought it would be a bold move. Because my character is that I dare to fight, I dare to say and I dare to bear responsibility to the people. Some people said I should deny it. That I did not do it. But it has affected the party and the Government, that is why I chose to admit. But it seems honesty does not always pay. The people still cannot accept it.  

Q: Do you think the moral judgement was too strict?  

A: It does not guarantee anything. Some people are lucky not to get caught.  

ON THE SEX DVD 

Q: Was it politically motivated?  

A: I have said before I would not like to speculate. I have received no less than 200 SMSes condemning certain party leaders of which I will not go into it. Because the moment I go into it, I do not like to see my party split. And I hope the party leadership under YB Ong Ka Ting, who I am sure if he is practising real healthy political culture, will look into this. Healthy political culture embraces no corruption, no moral lapses of judgement. A healthy political culture should not just be confined to just term of office. That is easy. Anyone can fulfil it. The terms of office are the easiest to fulfil. Three terms, two terms. Healthy political culture is good but it should be all embracing and not just term of office. What is more important and what is hoped for and demanded by Malaysians is to be clean from the aspect of no corruption and also in the question of no moral and ethical weaknesses. To me, this is more important and more difficult to achieve.  

Q: What about the woman in the video?  

A: I think that is not important. I should not be discussing my private life. If you are interested, maybe you should see the tape together with me. Okay? Would you like to see the tape with me?  

Q: Do you think it was probably political sabotage?  

A: I have been in politics for more than 20 years. I do not participate in any business activities. I do not think any business people have anything against me. I do not think it is about money because I did not receive any calls of blackmail.  

Q: Maybe it was planned, Datuk Seri?  

A: I have said that I do not want to make speculations. And I implore MCA members not to speculate on who did this to me. It is not a healthy political culture. 

ON MCA  

Q: What was the response of the party president when you resigned?  

A: As party president, of course he wants to see the party united. He wants to see everybody give the party and Barisan Nasional 100% support. But there are times, in a democratic country, when even the president and Prime Minister are constrained and there are limitations – because it is the rakyat that is supreme.  

HIS FAMILY 

Q: Is your family aware of your decision to quit?  

A: I just informed them. That is why my son got a shock – because I thank my family. You all must understand that I live in a very closely-knit family. When I was a doctor and exco member, I stayed with my father. And my children stayed with my grandfather and me. Today, my children stay with me and my grandson also stays with me. My family is a big family in that sense. My two sons and daughter stay in the house. And my grandson also stays together. So, I am confident that my family supports me because of the strong family cohesion that we have.

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Accountability, that elusive quality in politicians

January 2nd, 2008
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Accountability, that elusive quality in politicians

Comment by Kalimullah Hassan

 

IT could not have been easy for Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to publicly admit he was the person in the video disc showing him and a long-time female friend having sex.

From a state-level politician for many years, his career rocketed when he was made a minister and subsequently became vice-president of the second largest political party in the country, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

He was making political waves and the indications were that he would eventually go for the deputy presidency of the MCA and eventually have a shot at becoming party president.

And when he least expected it, his indiscretions caught up with him and have all but put paid to his career.

But, perhaps, that will be the least of Chua's worries.
The greater burden he has to face, as a man, as a human being, as a father and as a husband, is the burden of guilt he bears for the pain he has brought upon his wife and children.

Chua could have played the denial game, like many prominent people and politicians throughout the world, including in our own country, played each time they are caught in embarrassing positions.

The tape was doctored; it was not me; it's a political ploy.

But no. Two days after the story of the tape hit the news, Chua came out, admitted his role, and left his fate to party elders, a fate that he knows is practically sealed.

Sadly, in an ironic way, Chua has displayed a sense of accountability that not many — in fact, very few — politicians, on either side of the spectrum, have ever displayed or shown in Malaysian politics.

Perhaps, painful as it may be to him, Chua should relinquish his government position to save himself and the government from further anguish.

By coming out in the open, Chua has saved his party leaders and cabinet peers the unenviable task of defending a colleague and friend whose position is difficult to defend.

By admitting his guilt to an act that cannot be seen as anything less than immoral, Chua has also taken the burden of guilt upon himself, as he rightly should, and spared his party and the government from second guessing whether it was indeed him on the tape or not.

But by confessing his sins, he has also paid a heavy price and deeply scarred his relations with his own family, who, by their own account, say that bar the indiscretions they were kept unaware of, Chua has been a good father and a good husband.

His wife, in her own statement through the national news agency Bernama, admits that things are not going to be easy going forward. Yet, she and her children know Chua as the father and husband he has been and will forgive him and try to move forward, tough as it may be.

Unfortunately for Chua, trust will not be easy to regain and he will have to live with his guilt for a long time, if not for the rest of his life.

What Chua did was wrong. And like it or not, we hold politicians to higher standards and we are less forgiving of their indiscretions and mistakes.

Chua is paying a very high price for his weakness and he has asked for forgiveness and appealed that we give him and his family space.

Perhaps we should ask ourselves one question when judging Chua — who are we not to forgive him who has asked for forgiveness for have we, too, the fallible human beings that we are, not sinned at one time or another?

There may be a lesson for all of us to learn from what befell Chua and his family.

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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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