THE Finance Ministry’s corporate communications unit (CCU) said it regrets the failure of some English and Chinese newspapers to report in full Lim Guan Eng’s comments on Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) at a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

The CCU, in a statement today, said the finance minister gave an assurance that the RM30 million annual funding for TAR UC will be fully restored once MCA relinquishes political control over the institution, and reiterated that there must be a separation between politics and public funding.

“This means RM30 million each for this year and next year, according to the minister. However, certain English and Chinese media outlets did not report Lim’s emphasis that the government has no intention to take over TAR UC, nor does it want Pakatan Harapan or DAP politicians to replace MCA.”

The statement said Lim stressed that Barisan Nasional component MCA should give up its control over the institution to professionals comprising former TAR UC students.

“He said TAR UC would be better off if it was run professionally, without political or government interference, and allowed to determine its education policy independently, based on academic standards of excellence.”

It said Lim cited the example of Koperasi Jaya Diri Malaysia Bhd (Kojadi), an MCA-controlled cooperative that received RM15 million from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd Foundation in 2012.

“Even though the then chairman of Kojadi, Ng Peng Hay, wanted to return the RM15 million to the foundation, MCA refused. Kojadi’s bank account was then frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and Ng was suspended as Kojadi chairman.”

It is hoped that media organisations carry out their work professionally, competently and truthfully, “whatever their political affiliations”, said the CCU. – Bernama, October 13, 2019.