'Take the long view', Wee tells party after objections to adviser role
Published: Oct 26, 2024 11:27 AM
MCA president Wee Ka Siong has responded to internal dissent towards his recent appointment as an investment adviser by telling party members to “move on” from “narrow thinking”.
He said this after some MCA leaders expressed displeasure towards the appointment and saw it as an undignified role and a slap in the face for Wee.
Wee said that as MCA president, he feels compelled to leverage the party’s years of relations with the Chinese government and to use it as a platform to promote good relations and cooperation between Malaysia and China, for the benefit of both countries.
“Is this also a sin? Move on! No need for narrow-minded thinking, we must take the long view. MCA is prepared to serve the people.
“If national leaders and anyone else have the trust and confidence that MCA can help them in any subject, then we shall help to the best of our ability,” he said in a video posted on Facebook last night.
On Oct 20, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced Wee has been appointed as an investment adviser for Chinese nationals and companies, and will serve under him.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
The announcement was made when Zahid was officiating the MCA annual general assembly.
However, Malaysiakini reported yesterday that former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker and some other MCA leaders believe this is not befitting of Wee’s stature as MCA president.
“We need to look at preparing for the next general election, which will be crucial for MCA and the coalition government.
“We should be focused on creating the next generation of leaders. This must be our main focus, not exploring business opportunities,” Ti added, saying it is more appropriate to appoint Wee as a special envoy with a ministerial ranking.
Caught unawares
Speaking on the appointment, Wee revealed he was taken aback by Zahid’s announcement as the Bagan Datuk MP did not inform him in advance or drop him any hints.
“So, I can only respond to the announcement with a smile,” he said.
Wee added that the appointment didn’t come with an appointment letter from the government, as it is not a position listed in the federal budget.
He also said this was not the first time he has been called upon to help build relations with China and attract Chinese investment during the current investment.
However, Malaysiakini reported yesterday that former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker and some other MCA leaders believe this is not befitting of Wee’s stature as MCA president.
“We need to look at preparing for the next general election, which will be crucial for MCA and the coalition government.
“We should be focused on creating the next generation of leaders. This must be our main focus, not exploring business opportunities,” Ti added, saying it is more appropriate to appoint Wee as a special envoy with a ministerial ranking.
Caught unawares
Speaking on the appointment, Wee revealed he was taken aback by Zahid’s announcement as the Bagan Datuk MP did not inform him in advance or drop him any hints.
“So, I can only respond to the announcement with a smile,” he said.
Wee added that the appointment didn’t come with an appointment letter from the government, as it is not a position listed in the federal budget.
He also said this was not the first time he has been called upon to help build relations with China and attract Chinese investment during the current investment.
The Malaysian delegation in China
When Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited him to join his delegation to China in March last year, Wee said he had travelled willingly at his own expense.
However, Wee said he was heavily criticised by DAP parliamentarians upon his return.
In September this year, he joined Zahid on a trip to Shanghai upon the latter’s invitation to meet Chinese entrepreneurs who were keen to invest in Malaysia’s halal industry.
During the visit, he said Zahid light-heartedly (secara santai) named him as his adviser and asked him to field questions from the potential investors in Mandarin.
This drew questions from Malaysia reporters in Shanghai for details about his “appointment” as Zahid’s adviser, which Wee downplayed and emphasised his role as MCA president instead.
“I said, as MCA president, this position is sufficient for me to serve the country and the people.
“No other titles are required. I will continue to serve as MCA president.”
When Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited him to join his delegation to China in March last year, Wee said he had travelled willingly at his own expense.
However, Wee said he was heavily criticised by DAP parliamentarians upon his return.
In September this year, he joined Zahid on a trip to Shanghai upon the latter’s invitation to meet Chinese entrepreneurs who were keen to invest in Malaysia’s halal industry.
During the visit, he said Zahid light-heartedly (secara santai) named him as his adviser and asked him to field questions from the potential investors in Mandarin.
This drew questions from Malaysia reporters in Shanghai for details about his “appointment” as Zahid’s adviser, which Wee downplayed and emphasised his role as MCA president instead.
“I said, as MCA president, this position is sufficient for me to serve the country and the people.
“No other titles are required. I will continue to serve as MCA president.”
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