‘I’m healthy and staying focused’

Wee rubbishes allegations about his health My wife understands that all the talk is political. My healtth is okay and my sstamina is good. Datuk Seri We ee Ka Siong

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA presidential candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong pooh-poohs allegations about his health, saying he is hale and hearty.

The allegations about his health have resurfaced in the run-up to the party elections this Sunday.

Saying that he has no problem travelling all over the country in the last 50 days to get support from the grassroots leaders to contest the president post, Dr Wee is, however, concerned that his mother is disturbed by such “talk”.

“As a mother, she is naturally concerned, and fears that I may have health problems hidden from her.

“I hope my mother can be spared from this unnecessary worry.

“My wife understands that all the talk is political. My health is okay and my stamina is good,” said the Ayer Hitam Member of Parliament and incumbent deputy president.

Dr Wee is the only MP from MCA after the party lost 38 out of the 39 parliamentary seats contested in GE14.

While the burden on him is understandably heavy especially in the current political scenario, Dr Wee said he sees the challenges as motivating, and soldiers on as his party’s lone MP and in the opposition for the first time.

Former MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek yesterday said he had advised Dr Wee to take care of his health for his own good and also for his family and party.

Dr Wee, 50, underwent a surgery in 2015 and another one the following year. According to Dr Chua, a medical doctor by training, the “health” concern was among three reasons he rejected Dr Wee’s request for his support in the presidential race when they met for coffee here a few months ago.

“The job of the party president is very taxing, including having to travel all over the country, more so when MCA is in a very difficult situation after the defeat in the 14th General Election,” Dr Chua told a press conference here on Wednesday.

Dr Wee confirmed his meeting with Dr Chua on June 18, saying it was only natural for him to meet party elders, leaders and grassroots members and ask for their support in the upcoming elections.

But he said the topic on his health was never raised at the meeting.

Dr Wee said he was shocked when Dr Chua mentioned his “health problems” when he was not his consulting doctor and had no access to his health records like MRI or CT Scan.

Dr Wee hoped the campaign for party elections would be based on what the candidates can do for the party and leave out matters of no relevance.

“I am very focused on what I am doing and will not get distracted at all,” he stressed.

Dr Wee is in a three-cornered fight for the president post with Kluang MCA chairman Gan Ping Sieu and Bruas MCA Youth chairman Ngoo Teck Keong on Sunday.