MCA president: Duo trying to divert people’s attention from issue

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has described the latest allegation against him by Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as an attempt to divert the people’s attention from the Port Klang Free Zone issue.

“If indeed I have received pecuniary and financial benefits for myself or the party, there will be more reasons for me to protect the interests of the givers, as opposed to proceeding to expose their misdeeds.

“By doing so, I am risking my personal and family safety as well as my own credibility,” Ong, who is MCA president, wrote in his blog www.ongteekeat.net.

Ong said he was not surprised that the smear campaign and character assassination against him had intensified with the revelations of alleged irregularities by the PKFZ task force.

Tiong alleged that Ong had received a RM10mil “loan” from him for use by the MCA divisions while Kuala Dimensi deputy CEO Datuk Faisal Abdullah claimed that Ong’s ministry had accepted chartered flight services from the company.

Kuala Dimensi is the turnkey contractor of the PKFZ project.

Describing the smear campaign as just another obstacle, Ong said he would consult his lawyers and seek legal advice on the defamatory statements.

“The period mentioned by Tiong was 2008, during which I was vice-president until I assumed the presidency in October. The need for me as vice-president to raise money for the divisions was a non-starter.”

Ong rebutted Faizal’s claims he owed the company more than US$40,000 for “engaging” its flight services, saying that his office had yet to receive invoices for the services rendered.

“I am sure businesses do not issue invoices through the press,” he said.

Ong stressed that the allegations would not deter him from ensuring that the PKFZ issue was resolved in the best interest of the Government and the people.