Paul Low: I am not the Chinese representative

Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan has vowed to continue his work on improving the government’s integrity and fighting corruption in his capacity as a newly appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Transparency International Malaysia president, who said that he will be quitting this position today (Thursday), said that those issues are close to his heart and he will serve by championing anti-graft stances.

“I hope to improve the government’s integrity, continue and improve the NKRA (National Key Results Area) on corruption,” he said.

“I want to connect with the rakyat and be a channel for their grouses. Basically I am here to help the nation. I am at his(Prime Minister Najib Razak’s) disposal,” said the 66-year-old chartered accountant who graduated from RMIT.

The corporate figure stressed that he does not regard his appointment as a minister who will be representing the Chinese community or taking over the place of MCA.

“I’m non-racial. The new agenda of this nation should not be based on race anyway,” explained Low, who was once in MCA but quit the party in the 1990s.

Low said that before he was appointed, Najib had spoken to him in a casual setting. However, Low

admitted that he “don’t know exactly yet my role and powers.”

However, he said that “if I am here I’ll try” and transform the government, saying that “integrity cuts across ministries and agencies”.

“I’m just there as a serviceman”, said Low, who said he “wouldn’t exactly say” that he was a “check and balance” to the government, but added that he will "definitely be a voice".

Asked if he was pledging his loyalty to BN with this appointment, he replied:”Put it this way, BN is already in power for the next five year. If the government ropes me in my main objective is to help reform. Why not?

Should I wait another five years?

“We have no more time, we have to change now,” said Low.

He said that the country has “gone through a very intense political competition, it is now time for building the nation.

Though Low says that he would not be the Chinese rep, with the absence of MCA and Gerakan leaders, he and Tawau MP Mary Yap Kain Chin, would likely be seen as the representation of the community.

Meanwhile, opposition Tony Pua was surprised with Low's appointment.

"This 'bold' appointment, will in fact decide the fate of Najib in his second term as the Prime Minister because it will determine if his administration is willing to carry out the far-reaching reforms necessary to ensure a clean, transparent and competitive administration as advocated by Transparency International.

"With Low, we look to seeing an uncompromising stance in the Government’s fight against corruption and cronyism, to uphold the Transparency International’s Integrity Pledge which Najib has himself signed.

"The pledge demands that Najib’s administration will 'observe the principles of truth, integrity, ethical conduct and accountability, including not accepting or giving bribes or being involved in any way in corrupt practices',” said Pua in a statement.