Memo issue settled, says Ong
January 23, 2006
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue concerning the memorandum on religious conversion is settled and should not be prolonged anymore, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting. 

“I agree with the Prime Minister that this issue has been settled and that is enough. Do not drag it on anymore.  

“That is what the Prime Minister said and we respect that statement as he is the leader,” he said yesterday. 

“We do not have anything different that we want to add to that,” said the MCA president.  

Asked if the retraction was done in the national interest, Ong said: “Yes. You can say so. Our statement has explained that, and that is good enough.” 

He said the nine non-Muslim Cabinet ministers who submitted the memorandum were not pressured to retract it.  

“No. No. I think what we say is clear enough and we have a very good understanding with the Prime Minister,” he said. 

“Let’s leave it to the leaders. They have the experience and wisdom to deal with it.” 

Asked whether the public would be unhappy with the retraction, he said: “No worries. The public will understand.” 

The memorandum, which called for a review of laws affecting the rights of non-Muslims, was submitted by Ong; Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy; Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek; Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu; Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik; Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn; Plantation Enterprises and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, and Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Bernard Dompok and Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.  

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/23/nation/13188088&sec=nation