By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, April 21: An accountant, Chin Mui Khiong, confirmed that the family of Richard Wee was a substantial shareholder of Eastern Oxygen Berhad, and that Wee was on the board of directors of the company.
Chin was the 16th witness that was called by the plaintiff yesterday for the defamation suit by Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Dato Richard Wee over DAP’s Michael Kong’s Facebook post on July 21, 2020.
During the cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel Chong Chieng Jen, Chin also confirmed that Dato Ibrahim Baki also sat on the board of Hubline Berhad.
He confirmed that the facts stated in the second paragraph of the said Facebook post written by the defendant which stated: “Dato Richard Wee is a director and vice chairman of Hubline Berhad…” was correct as these facts are stated in Hubline’s annual report.
However, he said the conclusion of the Facebook post is very misleading because Hubline Berhad does not have any monopoly on government business.
Chin also confirmed that both Wee and Ibrahim also sat on the same board of Supreme Consolidated Resources Bhd.
Chin in his witness statement said that he was concerned about the negative impact of the allegations about Hubline Berhad, after which Chong asked Chin to explain how the defendant’s post will bring about such negative impact against Hubline.
Chin answered that the Facebook post alleged cronyism, corrupt practice and improper dealing in Wee’s businesses, which included the two companies.
“These allegations are not true. Hubline Berhad as well as Supreme Consolidated are never involved in corrupt practice or improper dealings.”
He said the impact of such allegations can attract the unnecessary attention of the relevant authorities for the wrong reason. Bankers of the companies might even withdraw their banking facilities if there is any element of fraud or corrupt practice in a company.
When asked if Ibrahim was classified as a politically exposed person (PEP) by the bankers, he said currently Ibrahim is considered as a PEP by virtue of being an elected assemblyman.
“Prior to that he did not hold any position in the government nor was he an elected assemblyman. To my knowledge at that time he would not be considered a PEP. ”
When being asked what authorities he was referring to, he said a listed company is under the purview of the securities commission of Malaysia and corruption will be dealt with by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“So this false allegation of corruption can be a very serious matter.
“If a company or a corporation is subject to MACC investigation all the bank accounts can be suspended or frozen in order for them to facilitate their investigation. A company with the bank accounts all being frozen will not be able to operate and carry on their business pending the completion of their investigation. ”
However, he said the MACC did not investigate Layang-Layang or Hubline as a result of the said Facebook post by the defendant, and KLSE did not investigate Hubline or Supreme Consolidated.
Wee was represented by Counsel Shakar Ram, Yu Ying Ying and Russel Lim whereas Kong was represented by Counsel Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng and Brenda Chong. — DayakDaily
