Soi Lek dismisses ‘losing support’ report

The MCA boss responds to a report on how a substantial number of people had left a party dinner early.

FULL REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek has dismissed speculations of dwindling  support from the Chinese community following a news report of an “exodus” at a recent MCA dinner.

He pointed out that there were thousands who willingly attended the Saturday event despite bad weather and many had stayed on.

“Certain media was just playing it up. The event started late and the  fact that so many came and paid for tickets means they are supporting us.

“How do you explain the rest of the crowd that stayed on despite the rain?” he said during a press conference here.

“The chairs, tables, and even plates were wet because of the rain,” he added.

China Press yesterday reported that some 20 percent of the 15,000 people at the MCA dinner called “Stability Above Chaos” in Johor left earlier.

Organisers had reportedly reasoned that the early departure of the attendees on that day was to beat traffic jams.

Halloween celebrations
Meanwhile, Chua also responded to various issues concerning Pakatan  Rakyat ranging from DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s “one man, one seat” remark to PAS’s apparent disapproval of the Halloween celebrations.

He said that the rakyat should judge DAP leaders who are now being accused of wanting many seats, and said that such problems do not arise in MCA.

“I leave DAP to solve their own problems. But the rakyat should  judge… some of them can draw up to as much as a minister’s pay especially if they are in Selangor and are an MP, exco, and sit on a  government-linked company… easily about RM40,000 to RM50,000 a month,” he said.

He said the rakyat should also question if these ‘multi-seat’ leaders could serve. “If you are in state assembly in Selangor and MP in Penang how are you going to work in both?”

On PAS’s objection to Halloween, Chua said that the Islamic party was fond of giving out “Do’s and Don’ts” but warned that it should not infringe on non-Muslims rights.

“They want to have no concerts, no Valentine’s Day, and now no Halloween, which is (to them) like worshiping Satan. If Muslims can’t enjoy it. Don’t impose your views on others.”

On the Batu Caves condo project, Chua said that the Pakatan Rakyat government should stop playing the usual blame game.

“Stop blaming the previous government. The state government of the day can cancel the project or impose additional conditions, what we call mitigating measures. It is not totally impotent to deal with this,” he said, adding that MCA has always rejected the place being developed.