PETALING JAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s remark of inviting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to his “office for tea” is a mockery of our national institutions, regardless of whether the proposed meeting is casual or otherwise, says Chan Quin Er (pic).
The MCA information chief said Nga’s overture to MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on Tuesday was grossly inappropriate, given the controversy surrounding the MyKiosk 2.0 project that came under the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“When a minister implies that the chief of our anti-corruption agency can be summoned like a subordinate for a chat over tea, it sends a chilling message – that ministers see themselves above independent oversight,” Chan said, adding that Nga’s response after being confronted with serious public concern over the costs of the MyKiosk programme has been far from satisfactory.
“It is very disconcerting and should not be brushed off as a flippant remark as it demeans our national institutions that is not only wrong; it’s dangerous,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Chan, who is also an MCA central committee member, said that as a minister, Nga had failed to set an example of professionalism on a personal level that has also reflected poorly on the current unity government.
She has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take the ongoing issue seriously in order to restore faith in the government.
“What truly damages the government’s image is not our criticism, but the minister’s dismissive attitude in the face of serious allegations as that kind of behaviour undermines public confidence far more than any opposition statement ever could.
“Ministers must know that their words carry weight. If they are unable to uphold the dignity of their office, then the credibility of the entire administration is at stake.
“Malaysians deserve leaders who respond to scrutiny with answers, not mock invitations for tea,” she added.
Nga’s invitation to MACC came after MCA Beliawanis called on DAP Youth last Sunday to lodge a joint report to MACC over the MyKiosk 2.0 project to ask authorities to look into possible irregularities in the procurement process.
MCA Beliawanis chairman Ivone Low said the public deserved to know whether the project under Nga’s ministry went through an open tender, the actual costs involved, site selection criteria and other details.
