Sex tape not made by me, says health minister

LABIS: Health Minister and MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has admitted that he was the person caught on video having sex with a woman, copies of which have been widely distributed in Johor and elsewhere.

"I am the man in the tape," he said at a press conference held at the MCA Labis Service Centre yesterday.

Dr Chua was composed during the 12-minute press conference, which was also attended by some 200 leaders and members from his MCA Labis division.

He repeatedly apologised to Malaysians, colleagues and supporters for the indiscretion, and thanked them "for their concern and support through phone calls and SMSes".

He said he had also apologised to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak and MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
However, he said he would not quit his government and party positions.

Ong said he had noted Dr Chua's statement and would convene an emergency presidential meeting today.

"It is an important matter for the party leadership to discuss," he said.

Reading a prepared statement, Dr Chua described the woman in the DVD as "a friend". He did not elaborate and said he did not know when the recording was made.

"I would like to emphasise that I did not make the tape myself.

"Who has done this and why it was done is obvious. Who made this tape is not important any more," he said, suggesting that it was his political enemies who were behind it.

"What is most important is that my family, wife and children have accepted my apology."

He appealed to the media to give his family space "during this difficult time".

Fielding questions after reading the statement, Dr Chua said he would consider lodging a police report on the DVD although the police had already started investigations.

"Intrusion into a person's privacy is an offence. I will not let anyone affect my political career and prevent me from carrying out my duties," he said.

On whether he would resign, he said: "All ministers serve at the pleasure of the prime minister.

"My business is as usual. I just came from the Segamat Hospital. Later, I am going to meet the Indian community," said Dr Chua.

He said he knew about the DVD on Sunday and had viewed it.

Dr Chua is not the first politician to become embroiled in controversies of a sexual nature.

In the past, there had been cases involving former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, former Selangor mentris besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib and Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar, opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat defacto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former DAP Penang assemblyman N. Assamaley, whose wife committed suicide following his alleged affair with another woman.

All these politicians saw their political careers suffer and none has managed a comeback although some tried or are still trying.

Chua, a former state executive councillor, rose to national political prominence after he was appointed minister of health in 2004 and became MCA vice-president.

He was widely seen as a serious contender for the MCA deputy presidency, now held by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, and eventually for party presidency.

However, his indiscretion may have cost him his political career.

Among those at yesterday's press conference were Johor MCA liaison committee deputy chairman Tan Kok Hong and Labis division Umno chief Datuk Sulaiman Tahar.

MCA leaders and members present gave Dr Chua rounds of applause to show their support for the leader.

Source: The New Straits Time