CM Koh still coy on federal move - The Star

KEPALA BATAS: Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon continues to evade questions on whether he will remain in Penang or move to the federal level.

“It depends on whether you want me or not. Do you want me or not?” Dr Koh, who is in his fourth term as Chief Minister, replied when asked by reporters if he had made up his mind on his political future.

Last week, Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik was quoted as saying that Dr Koh, 59, was still the best man to lead Penang for the time being.

He said Dr Koh should contest a state seat in the coming general election rather than switch to a parliamentary seat.

Dr Koh said he would reveal his plans when the time was right.

“Just be patient. He (Dr Lim) has his own opinion. I thank him for his confidence (in me),” he said.

“At the same time, I also thank (DAP secretary-general) Lim Guan Eng for his confidence in me to go federal. He looks like he is very anxious for me to go.”

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/18/nation/20043588&sec=nation]

Minister resigns over sex tape scandal - AFP

From correspondents in Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA'S former health minister accused his political "enemies" of orchestrating the release of a video showing him having sex with an unidentified woman in a hotel room.

The scandal engulfing Chua Soi Lek, 61, who resigned Wednesday, is the latest in a series of problems facing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's government ahead of elections which he is expected to call this year.

State news agency Bernama reported that Mr Chua - the most senior minister to leave the government so far - said the media's role in highlighting his work had led certain groups to target him, but he did not name any specific organisations.

"The press helped to kill me, to be honest," Mr Chua, who is married with three children, told an impromptu press conference after clearing out his office.

Mr Chua was also vice president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a key part of Mr Abdullah's coalition government, before the scandal over the widely circulated tape sparked his resignation.

"The press will always say Dr Chua is one who may be mounting a challenge against the (MCA) deputy president, against the (MCA) president," he said.

[More at http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23004680-1702,00.html]