FORMER DAP member Hew Kuan Yau, under fire for his comic on the China Belt and Road Initiative, has resigned as chief executive officer for the Malaysia China Business Council (MCBC).

He announced his resignation in a Facebook posting today, saying that he was stepping down with immediate effect to ensure the “smooth operation” of the council.

His resignation comes as the police are investigating him for the comic Belt and Road Initiative for Win Winism, which caused controversy after it was distributed in schools.

Yesterday, the Home Ministry banned the comic “because its contents may be detrimental to public order, corrupt the minds of the public, jeopardising morality, public interest and national security”.

However, Hew defended his work, saying it was meant to promote better understanding between Malaysia and China, as well as the initiative.

He was appointed MCBC CEO in January.

In his statement, Hew said as the CEO, he had devoted himself to strengthen the economy and trade, promote people-to-people bonds and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China so as to better connect to the Belt and Road Initiative.

“My intention was to open more resources for the establishment of a modernised Malaysia as the country has been hollowed out by the kleptocracy of the previous government.

“I had always believe that if Malaysians can understand more about the development and changes of the Chinese civilisation and society, it will surely provide valuable insights for the promotion of friendship, economic and trade exchanges between Malaysia and China, as well as the understanding of modernity and public governance of the Chinese civilisation.”

He also said the new Malaysia under Pakatan Harapan has an independent judiciary and an increasingly clean political culture.

“However, as for ethnic equality and social freedom, I believe these are far from ideal,” he added. – October 24, 2019.