Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 2, 2008): A day after he bravely confessed to being the man in a secretly-filmed sex video and defiantly refused to resign, a bitter health minister and MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek today resigned from his government, all party posts and as Labis MP with immediate effect.

He told a packed press conference in his office here: "I've informed the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and MCA president that I will resign as Health Minister with immediate effect. I also relinquish my post as Labis MP, MCA vice-president, Johor MCA chairman and Batu Pahat MCA head."

Datuk Seri Dr Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Chua's decision was an appropriate one, adding that the matter was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting today and that no recommendations had been made.

He said a temporary health minister would be appointed, and that the portfolio would still go to the MCA.

The prime minister said he did not think that this episode would precipitate a crisis in the MCA.

Just a day earlier, Chua had said in his constituency of Labis that he would not resign as he served at the pleasure of the prime minister and that it was clear why the DVDs, which were reportedly recorded two years ago, were being distributed now. He had also said the woman was his "personal friend".

Asked why he changed his mind within 24 hours, the 61-year-old Chua said: "After I confessed my mistake, I had hoped Malaysians would accept my apology. Unfortunately, from the feedback I've received, I found that Malaysians could not accept it. Some Malaysians are behaving holier-than-thou.

"I am afraid if I continue to hold the positions in the government or the party, it would be a burden to the government and the party, especially in the context of Islam Hadhari and healthy political culture mooted by my party president (Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting)."

Chua also had some advice to MCA and other BN component party leaders who may find themselves in a similar position.

"Those who have made mistakes or have certain weaknesses as a leader have to be responsible. That is why I come before not only the national and party leaders, but also the rakyat. It seems that I am not accepted," he said in his trademark sarcasm.

He admitted he had "idealised" a situation that the public would accept his apology.

"I think I have simplified a complex matter. By doing so (confessing), I thought people would think that I am a political leader with high moral grounds ... after 61 years, I have learnt a lesson that honesty doesn't always pay."

On whether the support of the Chinese community for the BN government would be affected, he said: "No. A lot of people think that I am a baggage to carry because they want to behave holier-than-thou. Maybe the support will increase because they think that all they have in the government are very clear."

The whole episode had panned out in a whirl as an old year gave way to the new. Two DVDs were distributed at random in Johor by unknown people. One DVD lasted 56 minutes and the other 44 minutes.

Asked when he tendered his resignation, he said he had done so just before the press conference, which started at 3.40pm.

"Starting today, I will be an ordinary rakyat. I hope I won't be a target of certain quarters anymore."

He revealed that the prime minister had promised him an investigation would be done to find out who are behind the filming of the scenes "so it won't be a practice in this country where people are allowed to use these tactics to topple anyone".

"If this person successfully (escapes), I am sure I would not be the first and I would not be the last (victim). In a political struggle, it should be based on your performance, professionalism and integrity. So a simple tape can destroy a person's political career. If they find this is effective, I am sure people are smart to use it. This is the most cost and time effective (method)," he said.

Chua said he was "proud" that he dared to admit his mistake in public.

However, he reiterated that he would not speculate if he was a victim of political assassination.

"I have received no fewer than 200 SMSes condemning certain party leaders, I would not go into it. The moment I leave, I don't like to see my party split. I hope the party leadership under Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, if he is practising real healthy political culture, would look into it."

Chua, who had openly declared he would be contesting higher posts in the party, including the presidency, said the healthy political culture should also embrace zero corruption and no moral judgment.

"Healthy politcal cultures should not be just confined to only the terms of the office. Terms of office are the easiest to fulfil," he said.

Under Ong's leadership, MCA has set a regulation that a leader could not hold party or government positions for more than three terms.

Asked if he was forced to resign, he said: "I think the public opinion has not been in my favour."

"National leaders in a democratic country are elected by the rakyat so they have also to listen to the rakyat," he said when asked by the press if national leaders had forced him to leave.

Chua appeared calm when fielding questions from reporters in the 35-minute press conference. He had earliler met his supporters who tried to convince him to stay on.

At times, he also joked. "Now I don't have to look back to see who is following me, who is putting a tape in my room when I go to sleep in any hotel. Now, I am free like all of you."

Chua said everyone's privacy has to be protected.

"My biggest mistake was that I stayed in the hotel and in the same room for convenience. Next time, when you stay in a hotel, good luck to you."

At one point, he hit out when asked for the response of the woman in the tape following his public confession.

"I think that is not important. I should not be discussing my private life. If you are interested, maybe you can see the tape together with me. Would you like to see the tape with me?" he asked.

Some supporters were seen shedding tears after his announcement.

'It's not for us to judge Chua'

PETALING JAYA (Jan 2, 2008): Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s resignation was an emotional response to society’s inflated sense of moral high ground, said women’s rights activist Zaitun Kasim.

"Is it for the public to make these decisions?" she asked, stating firmly that the real crime is in the invasion of privacy, rather than adultery.

Adultery, according to Zaitun, is more of a moral issue that is determined by each individual’s personal accountability, rather than a crime.

"Whether we agree or not (with his actions), it’s his personal life."

She also objected vehemently to the spying culture prevalent among society. "What now, do we have to go to hotels at our own risk?" she quipped.

"We’re going after the wrong people with the wrong attitude," she added.

Zaitun maintained that it was obvious that Chua was set up by politically motivated people who spent so much time and effort setting up the spy cameras and distributing copies of the video to the public, especially while election season looms near.

"If they had put half their brain and energy into positive endeavours like flood mitigation, that would have actually benefited the public."

"Morality is a slippery issue, it’s easy to point fingers, but who are we to make such judgments?"

Giam Say Khoon

MCA accepts Chua's resignation
by : Giam Say Khoon

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 2, 2008): The MCA regretfully accepted and respected Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's decision to resign from his Cabinet position as Health Minister and Labis MP along with his other party positions.

MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who chaired an Emergency Presidential Council meeting today, said it must have been a difficult decision for Chua and the party commends him for putting his party and the country before himself.

"Chua has been a hardworking and effective leader as well as an exceedingly competent minister," he said.

Ong said he had also recommended the candidate to replace Chua to the Prime Minister through a telephone call during the meeting. "It is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to make the final decision."

On Chua's party membership, Ong said his membership will remain as he had made a brave decision and that was sufficient to the party.

He said Chua's party post replacements will be decided by the Central Commtitee on Jan 8, "so deputy Johor chairman Tan Kok Hong will temporarily take over Chua's position as the State Liaison Committee Chairman while the Batu Pahat deputy chairman will temporarily take over Chua's division chairmanship," he told reporters after chairing a two-hour meeting in the party headquarters.

Asked whether Chua's incident had tarnished the party's image and Barisan Nasional, Ong said Chua had taken a brave move and the image of the party and BN will be preserved.

"We will continue to offer the best service to the people and it is time for us to move on," he said.

On whether the incident was a politically motivated trap, Ong said when these incidents happen, it will attract all sorts of speculations and the party views the case seriously and it hopes that the police will take firm action against the culprits responsible for filming and distributing the DVD.

"The incident has nothing to do with the party's internal conflict, this is just a speculation of our enemy but they will be disappointed as we are united," he said when responding to the question.

Asked whether he had offered Chua any advice on his resignation, Ong said: "Chua had thought about all aspects and made his own decision.

"The party wishes to record its appreciation to Chua for his loyal service to the party, the community and the nation. Our hearts are with him and his family as they weather this very difficult period.

"We salute Datin Seri Wong Sek Hin and her family for standing by him and for providing him the pillar of strength to go through these times," he said.

The meeting was attended by 18 Presidential Council members except Datuk Wong Kam Hoong, Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Datuk Tan Chai Ho, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Chua who who announced his resignation in the Health Ministry office before the meeting.

PM: Chua's resignation appropriate
by : B Suresh Ram

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 2, 2008): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek's decision to resign as Health Minister is an appropriate move under the circumstances.

The Prime Minister, who received the resignation letter from Chua this morning, said the move by Chua to resign was appropriate because of the negative public reaction after the Health Minister admitted he was the senior politician featured in the sex DVD yesterday.

Abdullah said Chua's decision to quit was not discussed in the weekly Cabinet meeting as it involved the minister's personal affair.

"It was not discussed and no decision was taken," he added.

"The former Health Minister had attended the first Cabinet meeting for the year but did not mention anything. I was only aware of the scandal on Tuesday and that Chua's explanation on the issue is sufficient.

"I would like to thank him for taking into account the negative effects of his actions against the government and the party in coming to a decision," he told reporters in a specially arranged press conference here today.

Abdullah said the Health Minister's post would be filled with an appropriate candidate from MCA, adding that an Acting Health Minister would be appointed to fill the vacuum.

"I will have to discuss with (Datuk Seri) Ong Ka Ting and MCA. No decision on this issue has been made," he said.

He also said there is no need for a by-election for the Labis parliamentary seat following the two-year non-election period.

He added that the question of a candidate for the Labis parliamentary seat would have to be discussed with the MCA leadership.

Abdullah said had not viewed the sex scandal tape but "there will be no further action against Chua".

He was also confident that the MCA would weather the resignation of its party vice-president.

"I do not believe that there will be a crisis in the MCA as the party leadership has the ability to handle the matter," he said.

Abdullah who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman said that it was unlikely that the scandal would have any effect on the coalition's preparation for the general election.

"I do not see it affecting (the BN) ... as the election machinery is working as usual. We do not lack the manpower to continue whatever preparations that we are undertaking," he said.

On whether there was a political plot behind Chua's sex scandal and his resignation, Abdullah refused to be dragged into speculation.

"The police will get to the bottom of the matter involving the sex DVD," said Abdullah.

• 'My biggest mistake'
• Chua: I'm man in sex video