KUALA LUMPUR – Being voted out by disgruntled constituents in the next election is a risk Tebrau MP Steven Choong is willing to take, following his decision to switch from PKR to a government-friendly independent.
On his decision to support Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Choong said this is so that he can help the country and his constituency improve their economy during his term.
“Whether or not I made the right move is secondary. Businesses are dying, so I am hoping I can do something. When I first joined politics, I told myself and my family that I want to help the country, and that’s what I want to do,” he said in an interview with The Vibes.
“I know there will be voters who see me as a traitor for leaving the party and supporting Muhyiddin. And if they no longer want me as their MP come the election, then I am willing to face the music if that means I can share my experience and help the economy recover.”
Muhyiddin on Sunday announced that Choong and Julau MP Larry Sng have declared support for him through statutory declarations, with Choong later saying his decision was done in the interest of his voters, citing lack of allocation being in the opposition.
He also said he will be acting as a “coordinator” among the various ministries and agencies to assist the government, particularly on business related matters, with his years of experience in the field.
On claims of money politics and threats over tax arrears being involved in Perikatan Nasional’s bid to buy his support, Choong rubbished it, saying it is slander.
The 64-year-old politician said if the allegations of tax arrears are true, he will have had his licence as a tax agent revoked by the Finance Ministry.
“As to money being offered, I can obviously deny it, but it will be difficult to prove. What I can say is that if I am really after money, I wouldn’t have waited until I am 64. Also, I don’t have any liability; I don’t owe any bank a single sen.”
Choong also recounted how former Umno permanent chairman Tun Sulaiman Ninam Shah, who was a close friend before his passing in 2003, had admired his attitude of “prioritising work over money”.
“He said I am a very unusual person, as I have been helping him for years and yet did not ask for any project in return. He also jokingly said I am stupid for rejecting an offer from him.
“What happened was Sulaiman gave me 20 sheets of papers with his name, address and signature, and said I could fill those letters up myself for anything I wanted. I rejected it, and told him to take them back.” – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
