Chua and Tiong blast Ong for PKFZ cover-up conspiracy allegations

Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek and Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing blasted Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat for suggesting that the two were working together in an attempt to topple him and scuttle the probe into the troubled Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) trans-shipment hub.

Tiong, whose company Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) is under investigation by Ong’s ministry for allegedly making RM1.4 billion in questionable claims while developing PKFZ, confirmed a report that he is considering legal action against Ong.

“My lawyers are exploring what actions to take,” said Tiong.

He also accused Ong of making up the allegation. “Talk facts, don’t create stories,” he said.

When contacted, Chua also denied the accusation. “I am not in cahoots with Tiong,” he said. “I don’t need Tiong. I just need the wisdom of the delegates.”

Chua, who is locked in a leadership battle with Ong, said that the MCA president was attempting to smear his name.

“He also tells MCA members that I am a dog and the disciplinary board will chop my head off. I have people who are willing to be my witnesses that he said it.”

Chua also challenged Ong, who has built up an image of being tough against corruption, to prove he is “whiter than white.”

Ong has denied allegations by Tiong that he received RM10 million in cash donations for MCA.

He, however, admitted taking free flights on private jets belonging to Tiong’s company even while KDSB was under a cloud of suspicion, which suggests that the two once had a cozy relationship.

He has also not responded to a dare from Tiong to disclose to the public the contents of the bank accounts belonging to him and his wife.

“He (Ong) himself has not explained his own tainted image,” said Chua. “He used the private jets five times. Under the government’s general orders, you are not allowed the use of the jets. A lesser official would have been suspended. He has also not revealed his and his wife’s bank accounts for public scrutiny to remove any doubts. He projects a very clean and transparent image, so why not disclose the bank accounts? Why worry?”

Ong’s allegations comes after several websites and e-mails circulated to journalists claimed that Tiong is bankrolling Chua’s campaign – to the tune of RM100 million – to remove Ong as president in exchange for ceasing all investigations against KDSB after the president is toppled.

Chua, however, dismissed the speculation.

“I don’t need RM100 million. I just need the support and wisdom of the delegates.

“We know that PKFZ will be investigated, with or without Ong. He projects the investigation into PKFZ as his anti-corruption crusade.

“He conveniently forgot that it was a Cabinet decision to disclose the investigation into PKFZ and whoever is minister will have to continue investigating. I don’t want to be a senator or a minister. Don’t doubt my sincerity.”

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun investigating Ong over the RM10 million donation allegations last week.

The police have also frozen KDSB’s bank accounts last week and the prime minister was also briefed on the matter.


comments


No need to speculate. Appoint our honorable Mr Lim Kit Siang, or Anwar Ibrahim or both to head the investigations. I am sure they'll be able to get to the deficiencies, get the real culprits, and be transparent about it