PETALING JAYA: MCA publicity spokesman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker (pic) has come to the defence of Robert Kuok and rapped Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz for attacking the Malaysian tycoon.
“He (Kuok) is our business icon and revered by Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds.
He should not be involved in any politicking, let alone challenged to contest in GE14 (the coming 14th general election),” Ti said in a statement Monday (Feb 26).
Ti was responding to the Tourism and Culture Minister’s description of Kuok as a “pondan” (effeminate) following allegations in an online blog that the tycoon was funding the Opposition.
Kuok has denied the allegations and said he would be taking action against the blog, Malaysia Today.
Based on the blog, Nazri was quoted by a news portal as challenging the 94-year-old billionaire to return to Malaysia to contest in the coming polls, adding that Kuok should also surrender his Malaysian citizenship.
However, Ti said that as a businessman, Kuok has every right to support whichever political party he deems fit.
“It is not in our culture to call Kuok a ‘pondan’ over allegations of financial support.
MCA is of the view that Kuok is a businessman who has benefited Malaysians in general," said Ti
“Personally, I believe that he as a businessman could have supported many political parties and politicians from Barisan and Pakatan too. There’s no need to overreact by being ill-mannered in this instance,” Ti added.
However, Ti also maintained that all businessmen who have benefited from Barsian Nasional policies should be thankful and reciprocate with their support.
As the general election draws closer, Ti urged all quarters to not go overboard in their attacks and counter-attacks.
“We are confident that Barisan is a better political party with clear, distinct policies and products that will sell better to voters,” he said.
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