I complied with royal command, says MCA rep
(The Star) – Pulai Sebatang assemblyman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said he took his oath as state executive council member not in defiance of the MCA’s stand but in compliance with a royal command by the Sultan of Johor.
“I am an MCA representative but I am also a Johorean. There is no easy way to go about it but I have to accede to the wishes of the Sultan,” he said.
Tee, the MCA national organising secretary, said the decision was made known to party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Tee, who will head the state Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee, said both Dr Chua and Najib agreed that the party had to comply with the wishes of the Ruler.
Ahead of GE13, the MCA had made a stand that if it won less than 15 parliamentary seats, the party would not accept government posts at any level. Voters delivered only seven seats to the party on May 5.
Tee, met after his swearing-in, said the party was still steadfast in its decision, but had to make an exception in Johor because Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had made it clear that he wanted a Chinese representative in the state exco line-up.
“The Sultan made it clear during a luncheon event at Istana Pasir Pelangi on May 13 that he wanted a Chinese representative to promote togetherness.
“I am thankful he has selected me,” he said, adding that he would work hard and put forward the needs of the Chinese community to the state government.
Tee said being selected was a big burden and a huge challenge but he was prepared for his portfolio in the state exco.
Asked if a similar situation would happen in other states, he said: “This is highly unlikely as Johor is a special case. The Johor government was formed in 1895, even before the country’s government was formed, and we have our own set of regulations to follow.
“That is why we have to adhere to the advice of the Sultan, as he has the authority and right to dictate what he feels is best for his people.”
