KUALA LUMPUR – By pledging his allegiance to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Tebrau MP Steven Choong is not only guaranteed allocations for his constituency, but also promised a key role in the government.
He will act as a “coordinator” among the various ministries and agencies following his move to quit PKR and become an independent parliamentarian supporting the ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN).
This was spelled out by Choong in an interview with The Vibes yesterday, in which he shed light on what transpired behind the scenes in the days leading up to his defection – including him rejecting cabinet posts.
Choong revealed that he had been courted by PN since the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government last March, but he decided to join only now as he felt the situation in his constituency has not improved.
He said many businesses in Tebrau have complained that foreign investments, especially from China, are not coming in due to bureaucratic issues in government agencies.
He said his attempts to meet government officials to iron out these problems were stunted because of him being in the opposition.
Choong said he then decided to approach former PKR No. 2 Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who is now a Bersatu member and holds the international trade and industry portfolio.
He said Azmin proposed that he join the government and act as a “middleman”.
“However, I told him that I didn’t want any ministerial or glamorous positions, and yet not have any work to do. I’m a worker, I need to do something,” he said, adding that he was invited to meet Muhyiddin sometime last week.
“The prime minister asked me, why don’t I join and help the government, with my experience? That was when I made the decision.
“He wanted to offer me positions, but I said it must be one where I can work, and I reiterated my stand that I should not be given ministerial and glamorous posts.
“Muhyiddin said I could come in (the government) to do something. I asked how this could be done, unless I had access to ministries. The prime minister said he would work it out.”
Muhyiddin on Sunday announced that Choong and Julau MP Larry Sng – also formerly of PKR – have submitted statutory declarations stating their support for him.
Choong later said his decision to back the PN government is in the interest of voters, citing how issues like floods, illegal dumping, pollution and illegal immigrants, among others, have gotten worse in his constituency.
He told The Vibes that while there has yet to be confirmation from Muhyiddin, his coordinating role will see him focusing on minimising red tape in the government, especially with regard to business and economic matters.
“I don’t yet know the exact name of my position, but the function will be some sort of an adviser to the government on overlapping issues.
“I’ve actually asked for a function where I can coordinate the various ministries and agencies, so that they will work in tandem and ensure any arising problem can be resolved the soonest possible.”
He added that the matter was agreed on by both Muhyiddin and Azmin during their meeting. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
