KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has taken a swipe at newly appointed senator Liew Chin Tong, who was later sworn in as Deputy Defence Minister.
Wee said Liew had previously mocked MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon when the latter was appointed a senator and subsequently a deputy minister despite not contesting in the 2013 general election.
“I remember how he teased and laughed. He even went on record on social media to say there is no such thing as a ‘backdoor’ constituency which allowed for Chong’s appointment.”
“What happened to his stand now? Liew has to explain which ‘backdoor’ constituency he is representing,” he said, adding Liew must realise it was karma biting back at him.
Wee, who defeated Liew in the May 9 general election for the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat, also congratulated Liew but pointed out that the latter was not forced to accept the appointment.
Liew, however, was quoted by Malaysiakini as saying he was unfazed by the criticism, adding that his detractors were “free to express their views” on the matter.
“They can say whatever, I didn’t win (a parliamentary seat) because I contested in a tough seat. Whatever happened on May 9, everyone participated,” he added.
Asked if he felt like a “backdoor” minister, Liew was quoted by the portal as saying that the Dewan Negara was an important institution and all quarters had a role to play.
He said he had learned a month ago of plans to appoint him as a senator and deputy minister.
However, he said that he would need some time to study his portfolio before commenting on any defence issue.
He also dismissed the notion that he was appointed to the ministry in a bid to drive up non-Malay numbers in the armed forces.
“I’m a Malaysian,” he was quoted as saying.