Personal Gift Loke Defends Giving Dragon Plaque To Xi

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There is no need to make an issue out of my gift to Chinese President Xi Jinping, said DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
ADSHe said this in response to a question by the media after the matter became viral on social media.
“The souvenir was a personal gift (to Xi) and I never said it was from the government,” Loke said after addressing Transport Ministry’s staffers in Putrajaya during his monthly address.
Recently, netizens homed in on the issue after Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching uploaded a video clip on her Facebook page.
Soon, Loke was accused of presenting the souvenir through the “back door”, implying it was in breach of official protocol.
Netizens also said the souvenir, which is a plaque with a dragon image engraved on it, is inappropriate.
The souvenir was given to Xi on April 17, which was before the latter left Malaysia for Cambodia after a three-day visit.
Chorus of criticisms
Joining the chorus of criticism was independent preacher Firdaus Wong, who uploaded a video of a woman questioning Loke’s actions.
DAP secretary-general Anthony LokeIn the video, the woman questioned whether the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the prime minister had approved the gift and accused Loke of breaching protocol by giving the gift near a back door entrance of his hotel.
According to a Sin Chew Daily report, Loke had clarified that he delivered the souvenir in that manner over security issues.
“This was for his protection. Xi needs to head to his car immediately after leaving the hotel.
ADS“So, we were only allowed to deliver the souvenir at the underground car park,” the Seremban MP mentioned.
As for the souvenir, Loke said a dragon represents strength, wisdom and friendship in Chinese culture.
He also said that the plaque was made by a reputed local souvenir dealer, Royal Selangor.
He added that Xi was pleased with the gift, in addition to being heartened by Malaysian leaders’ warm hospitality. - Mkini

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