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Ka Chuan hopes to do better
than his brother
19/03/2008 New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly-appointed Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk
Ong Ka Chuan vows to be an even better minister than his younger brother,
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting. Ka Chuan said this was not a personal
attack on his brother but a desire to prove his detractors wrong.
"I hold him (Ka Ting) in the highest regard. In fact, I was very reluctant
to take this job at first," said the MCA secretary-general.
"When Ka Ting announced that he would not be seeking a cabinet post, I
begged him to reconsider because I felt he was more capable and charismatic
than me."
Ka Chuan finally relented when he sensed that his brother was sincere and
further objection from him would only make things difficult for Ka Ting.
Ka Chuan said replacing his brother as minister had drawn criticism and
accusations of nepotism from within and outside the party.
"A lot of people have attacked us both, but I promise to soldier on and
prove them wrong with my performance.
"I know I am not the smartest person, but I am willing to learn and do all I
can to bring the ministry to a new level," said Ka Chuan.
On his new role, Ka Chuan said high on his to-do list was help solve the
squatter problem in the country and make housing more affordable.
"I hope to help the lower-income group to own their own houses." |
