Robert Kuok Called a ‘Pondan’ and Challenged to Run in GE14, Here’s His Response

Malaysia’s richest man, Robert Kuok seems to be attracting a lot of attention from our politicians lately. He was mainly targeted by news portal Malaysia Today (which is owned by Raja Petra Kamarudin) who published three untrue articles about him.

Source: the malaysian times

Robert Kuok was unfairly attacked by several politicians

These articles, published between February 21 and 23, attacked the tycoon and said that he was funding DAP through his nephew James, which was untrue. That’s not all, several other Umno leaders also attacked Kuok and said that he was “ungrateful” and had “forgotten his roots”.

According to The Sun Daily, one of these politicians is the outspoken Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz who even challenged Kuok to run for the election himself. He asked the billionaire to return from Hong Kong and contest instead. Kinda random!

Source: mmo

“You are already rich, what else do you want? Who are you to teach us how to run the country? Don’t meddle in our politics. If you consider yourself rich, then join politics. Don’t be a coward and hide (overseas) just to fund DAP in order for BN to collapse. BN accepts your challenge,” he said.

“If you are man enough, then come home and run for election. Don’t be a ‘pondan’ and hide in Hong Kong.”

As if that speech was not enough, Nazri later added in a press conference saying, “I don’t care if he wants to fund DAP, but what’s wrong about helping fund us (BN) as well, as we are the ones who have been helping him all this while. I consider Kuok as a man who has forgotten his roots. He is arrogant, boastful, and now living in another country and criticising his own.”

A few other politicians denied the claims and defended Robert Kuok

However, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and James, his nephew, denied that any funding was given to DAP to overthrow the government. In response to these allegations, MCA has defended Kuok and said that it was unfair and “pure speculation”.

Source: the malaysian times

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said, “The Robert Kuok we know is a righteous businessman.” He then used the Chinese expression, “An honest man does nothing underhand” to describe Kuok. Another MCA official, their publicity spokesman Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker also spoke out in defense of Kuok based on a report by The Star.

He said, “He (Kuok) is our business icon and revered by Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds. He should not be involved in any politicking, let alone challenged to contest in GE14 (the coming 14th general election). It is not in our culture to call Kuok a ‘pondan’ over allegations of financial support. MCA is of the view that Kuok is a businessman who has benefited Malaysians in general.”

Robert Kuok’s office decides to release a media statement refuting the claims

After being attacked from so many sides, it looks like the tycoon has finally released a media statement and said that he would reserve the rights for any legal action towards Malaysia Today. He refuted any claims that he had forgotten his roots and he has a deep appreciation for the opportunities he has had. Mr Kuok also reportedly holds in the highest esteem the leaders of Malaysia who have throughout their lives done everything they can to contribute to the well-being of Malaysians.

Source: fmt

He said that all of these are untrue and denies them. He also said that the Malaysia Today articles are considered very serious libel and takes them very seriously. The statement said, “Mr Robert Kuok reserves the right to take all necessary steps against Malaysia Today and the author to address the false allegations contained in the scurrilous articles.”

What do you think of this issue? 

Also read: Some of Malaysia’s Richest Owe Their Success to the Govt, PM Najib Says