‘Cabinet recognises Kuok’s contribution’

Robert Kuok controlled Wilmar International is now looking to list its China unit on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet recognises multi-billionaire Robert Kuok’s contribution to the development of Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

“The Cabinet recognises his contribution to the country, and his contribution to the economy over the years.

“The Prime Minister in his statement on Tuesday also commended Kuok for his contribution,” he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

The Transport Minister said the issue involving Kuok was raised and discussed during the meeting.

“I represented MCA and MCA ministers, and conveyed the feelings of the Chinese community and expressed MCA’s dissatisfaction on the unreasonable attacks against Kuok,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s press secretary Datuk Seri Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad said in a statement that Kuok’s life story was an inspiration to other fellow entrepreneurs to succeed.

He said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak welcomed the statement from Kuok that he had deep appreciation for the opportunities he had in the country and recognised the contributions made by Malaysians of all creeds, races and religions towards the development of the nation.

Last week, blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin posted three articles on his website, alleging Kuok was funding various political parties to overthrow the Government.

Several leaders, including Nazri, criticised Kuok after the posting.

In response, Kuok’s office issued a statement to deny the allegations and said he reserved the right to act against the Malaysia Today portal.

Liow, who is the MCA president, said the attacks not only hurt Kuok but also the feelings of the Chinese community.

Asked if the Cabinet had asked Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz to apologise for his attack on Kuok, Liow replied: “That you have to ask Nazri.”

“When it happened, I informed the Prime Minister immediately about our feeling for action to be taken. This is to ensure this will not deteriorate and jeopardise race relations,” he said.

He said all should know that Kuok had contributed tremendously to the country’s economic development.

“Kuok is the elite of the Chinese community. He has made his name in the international arena, making Malaysia proud.

“Kuok is a success role model. He is not only the pride of the Chinese community but of all Malaysians,” he said.

Liow also condemned DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng for using the issue to attack MCA.

“They know the root cause of the incident and who is the culprit. They should have condemned the related leader, and not take the opportunity to attack MCA. All they want to do is attack MCA,” he said.

“As the representative of the Chinese community, we have done our part to ensure respect for Robert Kuok to defend the dignity of the Chinese community. We have done what we ought to do.

“If Kit Siang and Guan Eng want to earn respect from all races, they should have the courage to focus on the culprit, and not use it against MCA.”

In his earlier tweets, Liow expressed hope that Najib would intervene and put the issue to rest.

Nazri’s attacks on the tycoon had in particular caused an uproar among the Chinese community.

Nazri has not apologised, but said he was glad that Kuok had cleared the air.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon urged Nazri to apologise to Kuok, saying his attack had “crossed the line” as it was humiliating.

“Kuok is no ordinary businessman. He is someone well-respected in this country, and even the world,” said Chong.

Chong also said Nazri’s attack against MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan was uncalled for.