LDP says Chong acted not in personal capacity

Daily Express

"We must understand that every litigant is entitled in law to engage counsel of his choice," said Chin.

He was commenting on Umno Youth Secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan's call the Barisan Nasional (BN) Disciplinary Committee to demand an explanation from Chong for engaging Ansari Abdullah as his counsel.

Last Thursday Chong engaged Ansari who is Chairman of opposition Sabah Keadilan Liaison Committee (opposition) as his lawyer to file an appeal against Kudat Town Board (KTB) and Central Town and Country Planning Board (CTCPB) withdrawal of an earlier approval to construct statue of the Goddess of the sea (Mazu) in Kudat.

Chin said its an ordinary course of action taken by an aggrieved party against the decision of the KTB which was directed by the CTCTB to withdraw the approval.

According to Chin, Chong's appeal was in his capacity as Chairman of the Thien Hou Charitable Foundation.

He reiterated that the KTB had issued the withdrawal letter and the foundation is required under the law to file the application within 28 days from the date of the letter

"Hence as Chairman of the foundation Chong would have to file the action to preserve and protect its right under the law"