Nga Kor Ming, a Malaysian politician and vice chair of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), clarified that he did not intend to offend anyone with comme
Nga Kor Ming, a Malaysian politician and vice chair of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), clarified that he did not intend to offend anyone with comments he made on Oct. 28.
During a fundraising dinner in Muar, Johor, Nga suggested that if the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition won the upcoming Malaysian general election, Malaysia’s economy would improve to the point where Singaporeans might seek jobs in Malaysia instead of the other way around, as reported by Malaysiakini.
Nga warns Malaysians against voting for BN Nga, whose DAP is part of the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, warned that if the incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition won, Malaysia’s economic conditions would worsen. He claimed, “If BN wins, the exchange rate between the US dollar and ringgit will become US$1 to RM5 (S$1.49), and the Singapore dollar to ringgit will be S$1 to RM3.50. Johor’s youth will be forced to work in Singapore.”
He further mentioned that this situation would hurt local industries in Johor, such as the furniture sector in Muar, which would struggle to find local workers. Nga then pointed out that under Pakatan Harapan, led by Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia could strengthen its economy to such an extent that Singaporeans would be more likely to seek work in Malaysia.
Clarification and apology On Nov. 1, Nga clarified his remarks, explaining that his statement was intended to convey that, with a corruption-free government and improved job opportunities, Malaysia could become a place where even Singaporeans might seek employment. He stressed that there was “absolutely no intention” to offend Singaporeans. Nga emphasized that both countries should work together for the benefit of their people and Southeast Asia as a whole.
Top image from Nga Kor Ming’s Facebook page.
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