Nazri happy with Kuok’s clarification
> Tourism minister thanks billionaire for denial of DAP funding allegations
KUALA LUMPUR: Although unapologetic about his recent attack on Hong Kongbased Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Robert Kuok, Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said he is happy that Kuok has finally come forward to shed light on his alleged funding of DAP.
“He should have come forward to deny those allegations when it first surfaced instead of waiting for social media and news portals to pick it and play it up,” Nazri said yesterday.
“However, it is still a good thing that he has come forward and denied it now. It is goodwill on his part and I thank him for that as his denial proves that he has nothing against the current administration.”
Nazri added that his recent attacks were based on reports made by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin that was not disputed then by Kuok, and he was responding in support of a statement by the prime minister.
“However, since everything has been cleared up, I hope he will take action against those who have made unfounded allegations against him as denials alone are not sufficient to prove his innocence.”
Nazri also criticised MCA secretarygeneral Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan for telling him that he is in no position to ask Kuok to give up his citizenship.
“He does not have to teach me that. I know I do not have the authority to remove anyone’s citizenship.
“I only said if Kuok really felt that way about the government then he should just give up his citizenship, no one said I will be taking away his citizenship. It was merely a suggestion.
“Ong is not a clever person for making such a stupid statement when everyone knows that I do not have the power to do so,” Nazri said.
Nazri stressed that his attacks were directed only at Kuok and not the Chinese community, and urged everyone not to think that an attack on Kuok is an attack on the Chinese.
Meanwhile, Country Heights Holdings Bhd founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew said Nazri was very rude and had behaved in a dishonourable manner.
“Kuok is a respected businessman, a role model for all Malaysians, especially Chinese Malaysians who are very proud of him.”
Justice of Peace Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin also said Nazri’s statements were rude.