I feel so sad to read about the bad press suffered by DAP over the Tee Boon Hock debacle. I feel just as disappointed as our many supporters.
Many quarters have become confused by the seemingly revearsal of DAP’s position over the Ronnie Liu vs Tee Boon Hock case. Some MCA and UMNO leaders are either confused or are intentionally causing confusion to serve their political gain.
This news article reports the truth about what happened. It took courage for DAP Selangor to admit that we had made a mistake, but we’ve admitted it and corrected it by taking the very severe action of sacking Tee, who is a long-time DAP member.
Misconduct or lawbreaking of any kind has no place in DAP. That is DAP’s principle and no one is above it. I challenge UMNO and MCA emulate DAP in addressing their own members’ disciplinary cases too.
Selangor DAP yesterday explained the sudden reversal in its handling of Klang municipal councillor Tee Boon Hock’s case, claiming that Tee had lied to them.
On July 28, a day after English-language daily Star reported that a ‘rogue’ councillor had misused Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu’s letterhead and seal to obtain contracts worth a total of RM1 million for 20 companies, state DAP leaders openly backed Tee.
At a press conference attended by Selangor DAP chief Ean Yong Hian Wah, deputy chief Tony Pua and Selangor senior exco member Teresa Kok and Liu, Tee denied the allegations.
The DAP disciplinary committee announced the next day that it would investigate the matter, followed by Liu’s statement that a police report would be lodged against Tee.
The following day, the nation was shocked when the disciplinary committee sacked Tee, claiming that Tee had issued a letter of support to a company, in which his son was a director, to secure a contract from the municipal council.
The sudden development drew flak from MCA, who claimed that DAP leaders had known about Tee’s misconduct and attempted to cover it up but were later forced to make a U-turn after the evidence was exposed.
Selangor DAP leaders have however denied this.
‘MCA talking rubbish’
“Don’t talk rubbish when you (MCA) don’t know anything,” said Pua when contacted yesterday.
He explained that initially Tee (left) had denied the allegations to the state party committee, which led party leaders to back him at the July 28 press conference.
“But our chair(person) (Ean Yong) made it very clear that day that we would not hesitate to take action if we find any evidence,” he added.
Three days later, according to Pua, the state committee received a copy of a letter of support signed by Tee to secure a contract for his son’s company.
“We decided to submit the letter to the disciplinary committee and it decided to sack Tee in the afternoon after investigating the letter.”
Kok, another leader who had earlier backed Tee, added that the “misuse of the letterhead” and the “securing a contract for his son’s company” were two separate issues and that Tee was sacked due to the latter.
She explained that the party has not made any “reversal” but had taken immediate action based on the latest development.
On the allegation that Tee misused Liu’s letterhead and seal, Kok said it was still under investigation because Tee and Liu had given contradictory explanations.
Liu’s shifting stand
However, both Pua and Kok’s clarifications still do not explain Liu’s sudden change of heart as events unfolded.
Liu did not object to Tee’s denial during his press conference and later said in a written statement “judging from what Tee has explained, I have no problems with the letters”.
However he lodged a police report yesterday alleging that his letterhead and seal had been misused.
Kok did not deny that Liu had contradicted himself, saying, “You should ask Liu about this.”
A DAP leader who requested anonymity put in the last piece of the puzzle.
He revealed that the party state committee, before learning about Tee’s misconduct, wanted Tee and Liu (right) to straighten things out regarding the letters of support.
“It was a question of whether Tee was given the authority by Liu to sign the letters of support. That is why Liu said he had no problem with the letters.”
But when the letter of support to secure a contract for his son’s company was discovered, Liu was forced to draw a line. Hence the police report was lodged, according to the insider.
Liu could not be reached for comment.
‘Bold decisions’
Kok conceded that the scandal had put the party in a bad light.
“We can’t run away from it. We just have to face it,” she said, referring to the wide media coverage of the scandal.
She did not blame the media.
“We are the ones who opened the gate for the enemy,” she said.
But Kok (right) stressed that the quick action had brought in compliments from many quarters.
“Which party can make such a bold decision like us? MCA and Umno have had so many scandals, but did they sack their leaders immediately?” she posed.
shouldn’t ronnie liu relinquish all of his official tasks while pending investigation?
public need to be ensure that he is clean.
Liu should be the first to be sacked if Tee is deemed committed the said crime. He is a liability of DAP and with no grass root support. Don’t provoke the voters to give away Pandamaran seat to BN. We are in the era of internet and stop practicing the outdated feudalistic dynasty politics. The Lims should stop it otherwise it burns the entire kingdom.
it is a fact that Malaysian public holds double standard, when someone in BN is rumoured to be on the take, people would shrugged and continue to vote BN in decade in decade out
when someone in Pakatan is rumoured to be on the take and the reaction is worse that the visit of satan, taxman, grim reaper and mother-in-law combined
In UMNO, you can be guilty of money politics and barred from party election and yet remain as Menteri Besar of Melaka
If you ask me, the sacking is a bold move. We cannot expect a political party to be full of Mother Teresas and George of the Jungle kind of sweet innocent beings
Politics is not an easy game, it consumes life, time and resources. Many people sacrificed to support the opposition in the past, and the temptation to recoup some of the investment is human nature hence there must be a balance between recouping without damaging justice, rakyat welfare and sensibilities
We can’t have collapsing stadiums and RM1,500 screw drivers to reward supporters, but allowing them to have a reasonable avenue to be recognised for their past contribution … but doing this is never easy, will never preceived as fair but sad part of reality…..
sigh
Teresa Kok:
Ever saw a movie’s scene where the actor acted furiously to extinguish an annoying mosquito? This appears to be the candid scene in the DAP’s episode of the sacking of Tee based on alleged corruption practices or the perception that he is involved in corruption practices.
There shall be no compromise on corruption; and, there shall equally be no support – no matter how small- for those who are alleged to possess or perceive to possess a corrupted mind set. As a Chinese proverb illuminates “it’s wiser to eliminate albeit wrongly a few alleged corrupted men/women than to allow them to roam free” or the saying that “one drop of poison is enough to kill us all”.
It is kind of disappointing that there is quarrel amongst DAP’s top advisors over the issues on corruption practices. In UMNO, MCA and MIC, when an influential politic faction’s head is accused of corruption practices, his supporters are quick to response and proclaim the innocent of his mentor. This is how the corruption initiated! The politician under the cover of his supporters will start to ignore the general public’s opinion and begin his elusive corruption practices.
Yes, there must be justice and fairness for all, but at what price? I am opined that all alleged corruption practice must be investigated thoroughly and transparently; and, those who are involved shall be suspended immediately without any hesitation and reservation. There shall be no discussion or express of support over the issues of his/her suspension. They shall only be reinstated only after they are proved to be truly innocent. Truly means that it is investigated by business forensic experts who are familiar with corruption practices in Malaysia.
I sincerely hope that opposition party is mature enough to tackle the issue on internal corruption. If you want to protect the corrupted politician, then think about the damage that he has done to the public. Remember, RM 1.00 can buy 4 eggs, but a corrupted politician will only buy you one egg for RM1.00.
Hi everyone,
Liu has lodged a police report – hence the police is investigating and has sent the investigation reports to the AG office. The police would take action if it is deemed a false report, or otherwise, they’ll go after the one proven to have misused Liu’s official letterhead.
Similarly, I believe the Selangor State Govt has initiated investigation in Tee’s alleged abuse of letter of recommendation to a company which his son is involved in, and this investigation would involve investigation into Liu’s role, whatever it is, as well.
I believe Liu can remain in his official position until and unless there is ground and proof to show that he had knowingly condoned the use of his letterhead! Guilty or otherwise we should leave it to the Police and State Govt investigations.
Teresa, pse tell DAP not to fall into the trap set by Umno bastards. Umno bastards want DAP to implode. Dont be so self-righteious as to go on a witchhunt against our fellow brothers and sisters. Pse investigate thoroughly before taking action. By the way, the one guy DAP should act against is this trouble maker by the name of Teng. This guy is dangerous.
Respectful YB Teresa Kok and Uncle Limkitsiang,
‘We always learn and to ‘right the wrong’ with compassion and forgive.
Leaders must do right thing and those be assigned to do thing right.
Wisdom and be specific your words!’
I read through your blog here and sure everyone should not emotionally judge it.
Wheteher it was an abuse or falsifying documents this need a thorough investigation but solely between T and L
instead of making it a big issue wheteher politically or linking others.
Let put it under two perceptive thoughts to resolve the case with opinion and wisdom to help but not favor anybody:-
Reconcile Negative or positive review with wisdom
1.1-Understand KW’s disciplinary representation except too eager instead of suspension sack T.
(Should have called for thorough enquiry and let be justified or be confirmed by investigation then only conclude further action to take!)
1.2-Over react and drag in of TCK by KW on twitter comment.This may cause further dispute by other or followers of T with any public announcement.
(Why cannot communicate and verify any comments from TCK within party.It is positive to seek more positive opinion within party)
1.3-KW should not drag in other or another issue instead focus on checking verifying whether contents of letters jeopardise the decision of teneder or letter of
recommendation is falsified by other instead of from the true hands of L.If it is just a recommendation letter should not be accountable for decision of any tender committee at all
with positive wisdom to award contract as merit or else it’s wrong example by rules and laws! (Agreed lattest view of MB that people elected still will response help to any need approach by its people
they care and help them.He’s right as decision to any tender must be with authority on many factors not on just letters! Khalid is a good business politician,right!)
1.4-L has right to proceed with police report.It is good also for helping to seek further truth and fact about who’s and those documents. But here it is important to ensure police investigation must be
independently done why seeking any instruction from other.(News yesterday from Selangor police chief comment he is waiting response from Putrajaya!) Too they must react with wisdom and what investigation
has to do with other authority like Putrajaya.Be cautious of any drag-in of unintentional political abuse by other parties!
Summary of my comments
I believe DAP or PR has come that far to serve good for people.Should not it just not repeat what other parties use to for not taking a positive measure to make clear stand
that political power and governance are different matter!Clearly this case is between T and L whether are they aware or unaware,intentional or unintention has make it become
a problem.Tendering board to must be changed to understand that letter or recommendation be not a contributing factor to any tender.There are always criteria of rules and laws to
follow.
Finally,hope people will have a clear understanding but not sighting this so emotionally like those many in Klang. Leaders like T,L and many must guide them and everyone has a responsibility
as we are all malaysian. We must give good wisdom for our young.Respectful Brother Lim Kit Siang and many good leaders take good care.
note:I share this not politically inclined to anyone but merely wish wisdom will prevail as I pray for good future with goodness!
/Peter am I
Thank you Theresa for the explanation. Now we know the truth and BN cannot spin any more tales. It is indeed questionable when I saw your picture at the press conference with Tee. I thought you were involved and I am glad that has been cleared as I have high regards for your integrity. Corruption is always there in any party but the important thing is to nip it at the bud and not to let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.
Have you never heard that all crows from all the world are black in colour !
Any wonder why some bloggers posted that they do not wish to see their descendants to become politicians, lawyers and wear the uniform of a police man and the armed forces.
Anybody who are involve in helping a friend, members or anybody know can have direct or indirect benefit or assistance or funding from them cannot be given a letter of support. This letter can mean this bearer is my man or my teammate. A case you cover me and I cover you. (U tolong I, I tolong U) If this practice of having supporting letter means something than ordinary non political allinged rakyat cannot have any involvement with progress of the state or country even he has the best approach. The whole political concept for the country is heading the other way influnce by the rulling goverment over all these year. Civil servant rise to the top by u.t.i, i.t.u. merit, good politician was sideline because he never believe in u.t.i, i.t.u.. those who are capable to contribute to the economy of the country were disregard because they do not know how to contribute to required funds. What do we left with now? We need to have a very strong political will to overcome all these. So can you do ?
YB,
Why delete my comment? It seems u r just another hypocrite. U just talk the talk but not walk the talk. The blog sphere is vast enough for me find much space to write the same. It can’t be hide anyway. Similarly don’t be a small mind thinking that a rival supporter is here to tarnish ur image. I m not even a DAP member, and of course not a BN member. i am neutral but have voted DAP all the while including Ronnie Liu in PJ Utara.
Care to check around the big ocean of internet, I have posted at least 10 similar comments so far. I m sure u don’t like your name to be mentioned as some coward who choose only to publish comment favourable to u but the other way round. Look at your team at Selangor state, how could a boy scout possibly head the state and a cowboy heading local govt ?
Come clean of this support letter fiasco or DAP Selangor will vanish due to selfishness to protect a liability or bad debts. Touch your heart while praying and feel the pulse of fairness before u assumed me as a devil. I m not an angel but definitely set u to the right path of dignified service to mankind.
After Tiew Beng Hock incident now came Tee Boon Hock “scandal”again. Susah for DAP!!! Both TBH made DAP a proud & a shame issue to be discussed in the coffee shop!!! Is there any power struggle in DAP Selangor?
I should not know about its real scenario since I am an ordinary life member haaaaaaa
Anyhow I sincerely hope DAP “leaders” must lead us by example for those want “power” please join BN -MCA Gerakan !!! Dont come into DAP and making DAP “malu”
A real DAP leader like LGE LKS Karpal CMH all are real leaders without “makan , suck , telan ” our country riches and fortune !!! They really made “big great” sacrifies for us….HAliluyah praise the God!!!!!!
Just an opinion hopefully to “right the wrong” with wisdom that will not make other having political uncertainty to create problem. Also people sometimes will be misled by misunderstanding that no transformation or similar aptitude too with the elected one!
This is written in blog http://best4rakyat.diaryland.com/100805_28.html
I believe malaysian will be able to change for better!
Thank you.
Teresa:
D.A.P. – is abbreviation for Drop Any Person who is corrupted.
In any alleged corruption case:
– more explanation will invite more queries;
– more evidence to support against the alleged corruption will invite more doubt;
– more sacking will invite more criticism on freedom of speech;
Best way to handle is:
– the person who is at the center of allegation shall resign immediately;
– the person shall not voice his/her grievances in the media or to his fellow supporters;
– the matter must be investigated by party member who are perceived by Public and not DAPs’ members to have a clean hand and mind; such as Karpal or Teresa.
– the person must be reinstated immediately when prove to be innocent.
Again, this hypocrite try her very best to conceal information. Don’t fool us by retaining those comments under moderation mode. Its a lame excuse and cheap trick only practice by those who dare not face the real world. Human may act innocently but Almighty watch us closely. Thou shall not cheat and selfishness erodes love.
>>> CYC, Your comments are welcome but please don’t accuse me of concealing info. I get literally dozens of comments and messages over the net every day and sometimes there may be delay in seeing and approving them.
It is easy to pass judgment without proof. Many a time we pass comments not knowing that we become the judge.
The truth is just an illusion; but when illusion is accepted by the general public, it becomes the probable truth.
This is the case in any corruption investigation, unfortunately. If you hope for the whole truth, prepare to be disappointed as the truth is based on black & white coherent paper trails which are often non-existence or destroyed before an investigation commence.
Corrupted white collar thief is like an experience magician who know how to conceal the truth. Unless he/she is caught red handed, the truth will never surface.
So, in this case, what is a supporting letter?
What is a recommendation letter?
Does a support or a recommendation letter tantamount to an instruction to award?
If you are applying for a job and your existing employer gives a letter of recommendation of support, the letter in this case is obviously only a recommendation/support letter.
However, if PM or anybody of authority gives a support or recommendation letter, it will certainly amount to an instruction or at least it will carry a lot of weight.
This is simply due to the fact that the person who is in charge would have to consider the repercussion if he/she does not follow the recommendation.
So….. Tee has been sacked officially by MB after evidence suggetsed that he did issue the letter of support in favor of his immediate family member, my salute to MB & DAP’s will to Drop Any Person who has the inclination to invite and encourage corruption pratices.
I am opined that whether or not Tee misused his superior’s letterhead is not at all relevant in this case.
As long as…. Tee issued the letter of support to his son’s company is all the reason necessary to drop him.
As the immediate and highly emotionally-charged responses and actions of Tee’s remaining hardcore supporters will have a significant impact on DAP’s decision,image and stand on internal corruption; these DAP supporters must be given the opportunity to view and inspect the letter of support in order to convince them that Tee is guilty as charged. Better still, Tee’s letter of support shall be placed in DAP’s HQ announcement board or official website for all to view, inspect and read.
If DAP’supporters who hates corruption pratices still have the appetite to voice their supports for Tee must now be extra…. rational,…. exercise restraint;…. and, deliberate….. & evaluate carefully….. if he is now still worthwhile supporting.
There shall be no leniency and sympathy for corrupted member who is entrusted with important task. So tee’s appeal should never be considered.
Such a shallow understanding of law shall not in any way justified the curiosity of the members of Dap as well as the general public. Look, who is more emotional here and who is actually practicing self justification without following the basic jurisprudence ? Motive must be established, background story must be unfold, mastermind must be brought to the fore front. That we call it a complete trial and justice determined. No shadow dancing just to satisfy the emperor and ignorant civilians. The intelligence of the general public is very much brighter than most of “celup” leaders could imagined. I rest my case.
In any alleged corruption investigation, it would be naive to decide a case based on complete evidence of misconduct.
A deep understand of criminal law is precisely the instrument or loophole use by white collar criminal to commit their crime.
A person who is ignorant of criminal law tends to be easily caught.
It is lucky in this case that there is a letter of support actually issued by Tee…. probably due to his ignorance and lack of experience in wiping his mouth after a hefty meal. DAP…. should be thankful….. that…. Tee actually issued the letter of support or else…… BN and those who still support Tee will accuse DAP of practising internal faction execution.
My experience with those who are corrupted usually do not issue letter, they either call the person in charge or ask his hardcore supporter to convey the message or instruction.
That’s the reason why big fish normally are not caught but the smaller fishes do.
Law itself is inadequate in catching the white collar thief as they are fully aware of the consequence of leaving behind coherent paper trial. Even if they are caught red handed the punishment is relatively minute compare to his crime.
The big fish in PKFZ case know that very well as such even if they are caught they are still very confident that the law will be on their side.
Teresa:
It is truly a relief that Mr. Teng – who i respect alot – is not condoning the action of issuing ‘letter of support’ by high ranking DAP’s member entrusted with important task.
It is a happy ending that the OMG turn out to be ‘ OMG! the real cuprit had been caught red-handed!’
Corruption within the Government machinery always initiated by the power and evil of ‘supporting letter’.
If you have few mouths to feed and no other means of supporting the family, it is difficult to be a whistle blower and much easy to close two eyes if necessary.
The politician knows that very well and that is why his subordinates or government servants becomes his instrument of corruption.
The first step to stamp out corruption in the government, state or otherwise, is therefore to ban ‘letter of support’ all together either by mouth or by paper.
Nobody is accusing DAP of practicing internal faction execution but there is valid evidence to vouch for it’s existence. Just check how were Ong Chee Kin being stripped off his state chief position and how Manoharan was knocked out despite being officially elected as Selangor chief years ago ? Or the outsiders like me just ignorant of the actual facts ? Its internal matter not privileged to disclose ?
YB, I m DAP supporter but definitely not someone who support without questioning because blind loyalty leads the party to power corruption. I reject leader with no integrity and survive on shoe polishing.
We need to be vigilant of ‘business-minded- politician’ who treat politic as a quick money making scheme or a platform for his mediocre transformation.
We need to render our support unreservely to only those politicians who have vision and the desire to serve all Malaysian and not just a few groups of ‘special-interest’ privileged Malaysian.
We have enough corrupted politician already in Malaysia who stole 3 eggs from us for every ringgit we paid on tax. Remember that without them, we would probably be better off. We would probably have toll-free highways and our petrol could have been much more affordable.
As government corruption is linked closely with poverty and ecocomic and social inequality, we need to keep the goverment clean, transparent and accountable as well as to weed out those who are there to steal from the rakyat. Thus, any poilitician having even the slightest inclination to cheat or benefit himself and his cronies must be removed without hesitation.
Now, why are we discuss about Tee’s conduct? To voice our support or to kill his political career?
I would honestly confess that it is none of that.
It is simply because I appalled government corruption especially after witnessing the social & economic damages it have done to our nation and people at the poverty end.
Just compares Singapore to Malaysia and you will know what I mean.
With ‘Twin-Towers”, “Putrajaya”, ” Smart Tunnel”, Monopoly “GLC”; “Plus”; “Sprint”, “Lekas”, “Duke”, “Kesas”, “Silk”, “Litrak”, “MTD”, “Perwaja”; “LRT”, “Mono-rail”; “PKFZ”; “Cyberjaya”; “North corridor”, “South Corridor”; “East corridor”; large petroleum reserves, oil palm plantations, rubber plantations, “Magnum”, “Sport Toto’, “Tanjong”, “Genting”, “EPF’s reserve”,large land reserves, Smart Malaysian like you and me, shouldn’t we beat Singapore many time over?