KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 – MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek turned on his anger on the media today, accusing it of capitalising on Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali’s “racial” statements to gain popularity.
In refusing to respond to Ibrahim’s remark that he was trying to be like DAP’s Lim Kit Siang, Dr Chua told a press conference here that it was the media who had caused the Pasir Mas MP’s popularity.
“Yes, you people enjoy playing up issues and this can be very unfair at times,” he said after a dialogue session with the Chin Woo Association here this evening.
Dr Chua, who appeared vexed when he was asked to respond to Ibrahim’s remark, also singled out The Malaysian Insider for “spinning” news to gain popularity.
“I know The Malaysian Insider wants to be popular so you keep on trying to spin all sorts of news. The more we talk, the happier you are.
“Because I notice that while I am talking, you people are writing away so you can continue to spin,” he said.
Dr Chua added that Ibrahim’s views did not represent those of the majority, adding that the controversial leader was only famous because of the media.
“Ibrahim Ali does not represent the majority of the people, only the minority of the minority. He can continue to say what he wants to say.
“It is because of the media that Ibrahim Ali became famous. What was he before Perkasa... coming up with all this, what I would say, racial remarks,” he said.
When several pressmen were seen smiling at Dr Chua’s retort, the veteran politician rebuked them.
“To you, it is a laughing matter but to the outside community, it is not a laughing matter. I am not in this for a few days ok, I have been in this business for 24 years,” he said.
Ibrahim had earlier today told The Malaysian Insider that Dr Chua was attempting to be like DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and a “Chinese warrior” in his struggle for the Chinese community.
His statement was based on the results of a recent poll obtained by The Malaysian Insider which said that Dr Chua only commanded nine per cent of the Chinese community’s support.
Ibrahim had jeered at Dr Chua, claiming that he was not surprised with the results and blaming it on the former health minister’s sex scandal.
