Karpal: Is Ong man enough to stand by his word? 
Malaysiakini
Sep 16, 2006

Deputy Higher Education Minister Ong Tee Keat must pursue his exposé on the misuse of funds earmarked for refurbishment of several Chinese schools in Johor, said DAP chairperson Karpal Singh.

“I call upon Ong Tee Keat to be man enough to stand by what he said because what he said was not wrong. It was public interests. His duty demands that he exposes what could amount to a crime,” said Karpal in a statement yesterday.

Instead, Ong should rightly lodge a police report on the matter to ensure that the matter be investigated, added Karpal.

Ong, during a recent dinner with teachers from a Chinese school in Johor, said government officials had embezzled the special allocation meant for several Chinese schools in the state.

On Tuesday, Hishammuddin and Ong locked horns over the issue. Among others, the education minister accused Ong of seeking political mileage by playing the race card.

Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamad however has already instructed Ong to cease his remarks on the matter and apologised to Hishmuddin over the row.

Ong doing his job

Meanwhile, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has denounced a cabinet warning against Ong, as the group believed that he was merely exercising his right as an elected representative.

“By punishing the elected representative, CIJ believes that the people are discouraged from raising issues of public importance,

“Instead of warning the deputy minister, the government should be more serious in tackling genuine problems raised by the public through their representatives,” said CIJ executive director Sonia Randhawa.

She said the cabinet’s reprimand, instead of investigating Ong’s allegation, had reflected the administration’s lack of commitment in honouring its pledge for accountability and transparency.

“ CIJ urges that the claim by the school board (concerned) be investigated immediately and in an open manner, and if there is evidence to prove the allegations, actions must be taken against those responsible,” she added.