SELANGOR Menteri Besar Azmin Ali has come to the defence of billionaire Robert Kuok, claiming the businessman had contributed to the development of the Malaysian economy. 

The PKR deputy president said without the Chinese community including Kuok, Malaysia would not be as prosperous.

“We all belong to the same family. Do not be angry at Robert Kuok. He has contributed to the nation’s economy and the Tiong Hua clan as well,” Azmin said at a Chinese New Year event in Kepong today. 

Several Umno leaders have attacked Kuok following allegations by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz had called Kuok a “pondan” (effeminate) and dared the business tycoon to contest in the 14th general election following claims he was funding DAP. 

MCA leaders and several Chinese newspapers criticised the minister for his rude comments, saying they undermined communal relations and affected Chinese support towards BN.

Stung by the criticism, Nazri said the MCA no longer represented the Chinese community, going by its disastrous performance in the 13th general election.

Azmin said if Putrajaya does not respect the individual races in Malaysia, the role of governing the country should be handed over to Pakatan Harapan. 

“When we are successful, we do not forget the contributions by Malaysians including the Malays, Indians, Chinese, Ibans and Kadazans. They are also Malaysians that need respect and their rights to be protected. 

“We in Pakatan Harapan give assurance we will protect the rights of all Malaysians,” he told the 800-strong crowd. 

Analysts said in a report by The Malaysian Insight the BN lynchpin party’s attack on Kuok was a sign of panic as the general election loomed.

MCA Youth said in a statement on Wednesday Nazri’s crude insults at Kuok and MCA secretary-general Ong Ka Chuan undermined the BN spirit. – March 4, 2018.