Michael Chong vs Sassy MP (part 3)

by NUR AINNE JOHAR, Malay Mail, Dec 13.

“I DON’T need her to tell me what to do. Thanks for her concern, anyway.

This curt response came from Datuk Michael Chong on the call by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok for him to surrender his ‘little black book’ of names and information on Ah Longs to the police.

The MCA Public Services and Complaint head, who was visibly upset during a Press conference at his office yesterday, said he does not answer to her, and Kok should mind her own business.

“I have already explained the issue to MCA secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan and administration director Lim Chi Hei.

They are 100 per cent behind me pertaining to the manner the department is handling Ah Long cases,he claimed.

Chong said he had also referred a lot of cases involving licensed money lenders, handled by the department, to Federal police CID chief Datuk Christopher Wan.

“It is our stand to give our full co-operation to the police, and this includes Ah Long cases referred to the department.

However, in cases where the complainant prefer not to co-operate, there is not much we can do,said Chong.

He said the main reason why complainants seek the department’s help is because they fear for their safety.

“They also feel that lodging police reports would compound matters.

Most borrowers want me to become their witness when dealing with Ah Longs because they do not want to involve the police,he said.

Chong said what he has been doing for the past 20 years is his way of giving back to society.

“I do it with a sincere heart,he said.

Chong said the department is seeking legal redress against a local daily for publishing a report on Dec 8, which allegedly tarnished his image.

“My family is affected by the issue.

I feel all my work is not appreciated,he said.

*Malay Mail Pix. Caption: Chong (centre) with his assistant, Serena How (left), and the department’s legal adviser, Datuk Theng Book, showing some reports on the spat between him and Kok.