I will not aplogise for “kucing kurap” remark, says a defiant Jeff Ooi
(TMI) – A defiant Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi (pic), who has lately become a controversial figure in Penang for his “kucing kurap” remark, is not losing sleep over the issue even as various quarters have criticised him, including his own state party chairman Chow Kon Yeow.
The two-term DAP parliamentarian, who had said before that he will not retract or apologise for the remark, is now more determined to “unearth more weaknesses of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP).”
He said he is on a mission to look into various decisions made by the MPPP that had allegedly “shortchanged” the state government.
“After I have submitted my reports to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the state executive council and the state secretariat, I will share my findings with the media,” he told The Malaysian Insider today.
Ooi was asked to comment on various quarters demanding for his apology, including the Amalgamated National Union of Local Authority Employees (Anulae).
Anulae chairman Saleem Sulaiman, who slammed Ooi yesterday, labeled the blogger turned politician “anjing kurap” (mangy dog) and “pandi kuti” (piglet in Tamil) of Jelutong.
Ooi said the whole issue had been taken over by events with some stooping low to use terms like “pandi kuti” which carried a racial tone.
“When I made the remark (‘kucing kurap’ meaning small fry) I aimed it at the machinery, the MPPP. It was not directed at any individual.
“All that has happened indicates that little Napoleons are alive and kicking even after the government has changed,” he said.
Ooi said it was a matter that needed to be managed strategically to improve the situation.
“The council president to the lower ranking officials have endured the Barisan Nasional culture for too long. That has to change with the council performing better with more competency and transparency.
“The MPPP is the third level of government and it does not have to go back to the masses for renewal,” he said.
Ooi reminded civil servants, who plan to participate in a protest against him should he refuses to apologise for his remark, not to do so during office hours.
“They are free to do it, but not at the expense of ratepayers. Disciplinary action may be taken against them,” he warned.
On how he was faring with criticism coming his way lately, Ooi said he was not losing any sleep, but his lawyers were going over television and news reports for any statements that are defamatory.
On his own party distancing itself from him following this controversy, he said he is not taking it personally.
“It does not matter. I separate matters of governance from party affairs.
“There is no hard feelings. I am also performing my duties,” he added.
Ooi reportedly made the infamous “kucing kurap” remark when he and several MPPP officers met on Novermber 16 over the illegal hawker issue at the Jelutong market.
