IPOH: Nga Kor Ming says he remains committed to working for the people.
The Housing and Local Government Minister declined to comment on his recent pledge to resign if Barisan Nasional wins big in the Johor state election and Datuk Seri Najib Razak is freed.
"I know where you are coming from. You have your job to do.
"I also have my duty to the government," he told reporters on Sunday (July 12) after presenting aid to victims of the freak thunderstorm that hit Bercham last month.
"Let's work for the people of Malaysia. Focus on the welfare of the people. Your job is done. I've said enough," he added.
Nga had controversially made the pledge to be the first to resign if Barisan won the Johor polls and Najib was freed.
Following Barisan's sweeping victory, political opponents have strongly demanded he fulfil this promise.
In a statement issued on his Facebook later, Nga said those who called for his resignation need to refer to his full statement from the exclusive interview with Oriental Daily.
"What I stated during that interview reflects my consistent stance as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court that the integrity of the nation's judicial system must be upheld.
"If Datuk Seri Najib, whose actions have saddled Malaysians with the RM51.4bil debt over the 1MDB matter, can be let off without serving a sentence commensurate with his offences despite having been found guilty, it would mean the integrity of our judicial system has been compromised and the principle of the rule of law, as enshrined in the Rukun Negara, is no longer respected.
"Should such a situation arise, I am prepared to resign as a Cabinet Minister in order to defend the integrity of our beloved nation's judicial system.
"This matter is not personal; rather, it is a question of fundamental principle," he added.
Nga also congratulated Barisan on their win in Johor.
"The democratic process needs to be respected by all.
"The two third majority represents a trust and a heavy responsibility that Barisan must shoulder with the utmost integrity," he said.
"I also wish to express my appreciation and deepest gratitude to all the voters who supported Pakatan Harapan, as well as the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly for the coalition's victory.
"Although we did not win this time, there is always tomorrow. Pakatan remains committed and dedicated to working hard and serving the people and the country," he added.
Earlier, Nga said a total of 554 people have registered to receive the aid.
"Each household affected by the storm will receive RM1,800.
"The funds will be disbursed to all recipients as soon as possible," he said, adding that RM1mil was raised courtesy from Genting Malaysia Bhd.
Several areas in Bercham were impacted during the incident on June 19, causing more than RM1.2mil in losses.
The incident affected about 460 houses and more than 1,000 people.
