Sultan: Respect my decision

 

(The Star) - “Even if Tee is fired from the party, he will still remain a member of the exco that was chosen by me” 

Politicians including those from MCA must respect the decision made by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar in appointing Datuk Tee Siew Kiong as a state executive councillor.

Sultan Ibrahim reiterated that he had approved and had selected Tee to be part of the state line-up under the provision of the state statute, the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan 1895.

The statement also said the Sultan did not have to get suggestions or recommendations from any quarters pertaining to Tee’s appointment and the Ruler also did not have to explain why he chose Tee.

“Whatever problems arise in his (Tee) political party does not affect his appointment as a state exco member,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a statement yesterday.

Sultan Ibrahim added that he had chosen Tee because he wished to see representatives from every race in the exco line-up.

“Even if Tee is fired from the party, he will still remain a member of the exco that was chosen by me,” he said.

The Sultan said it was up to MCA to take any action they wanted against Tee as it was their right and under the prerogative of their party and leaders.

“I will not interfere with their political matters and do not want any party interfering with my ruling,” he said.

Sultan Ibrahim said his stance was clear that he wanted to maintain the unity among his rakyat and harmony among all races in Johor.

It was reported that Tee’s MCA membership had been frozen for three years after he was found guilty of violating the party’s resolution by taking up a government post.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the party’s disciplinary committee had recommended the suspension.

His appointment ignited a storm within MCA as it went against the party’s decision to not accept any government posts following MCA’s poor performance in the general election.