Superman Hew quits MCBC amidst comic book furore

PETALING JAYA: Former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau has quit as the CEO of the Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC) after the comic book saga, saying that it is now time for him to concentrate on his "own interests".

In a media statement dated Oct 24, Hew, who is better known as "Superman" said that his resignation was immediate and that for the past eight months, he had worked to better economic and trade ties between the two countries.

"In order to ensure the smooth operation of MCBC, I have tendered my resignation to the chairman of the Council Tan Kok Wai with immediate effect, and my decision is final.

"During my tenure as CEO over the past eight months, I devoted myself to strengthening the economy and trade, promoting people-to-people bond and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China so as to better connect to the Belt and Road Initiative.

"My intention was to open more resources for the establishment of a modernised Malaysia as the country has been hollowed out by the kleptocracy of the previous government," said Hew.

He further said that there was a need for Malaysians to understand more about the development and changes of the Chinese civilisation and society.

"It will surely provide valuable insights for the promotion of friendship, economic and trade exchanges between Malaysia and China, as well as the understanding of modernity and public governance of Chinese civilisation.

"I have spent half my life fighting for the betterment of Malaysia without considering my own interests.

"Thus, I have fulfilled my mission in promoting the process of democratisation in Malaysia.

"Fortunately, the new Malaysia has an independent judiciary and an increasingly clean political culture. However, as for ethnic equality and social freedom, I believe these are far from ideal," said Hew.

He also pledged to be a filial son and son-in-law.

"This (resignation) will offer an opportunity for me to think about my life after 50, having left the public sector," said Hew.

In the past week, the comic book produced by Hew in collaboration with local artist Chong Po Ling has created a political furore among Pakatan Harapan leaders.

The book, which was subsequently banned by the Home Ministry, supports the Belt and Road Initiative (or the New Silk Road), talking about the vision behind the initiative and its benefits, as narrated by two cat characters, Aisha and Komie.

It also ridicules former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the RM2.6bil found in his personal bank account.

It was reportedly distributed to the libraries of some schools without the knowledge of the authorities, sparking controversy for bringing politics into the classroom.

The foreword was written by Lim Guan Eng, who signed off as Finance Minister and DAP secretary-general.