Howard Lee Chuan How, who became a first time state assemblyman after winning the Pasir Pinji state seat as a DAP candidate in the last general election (GE13), says he is and always has been a Malaysian citizen.
“I have never acquired citizenship in any country outside of Malaysia, neither by application nor by birth. My citizenship of Malaysia is indisputable both in spirit and in law.
“I welcome anyone who wishes to challenge them through the many proper channels available,” Lee said in a statement published on his Facebook page last night.
A blogger, whose name is listed as Lim Sian See, had alleged yesterday that Lee had only returned to the country a few years ago, after having failed in his attempt to become a British citizen.
According to Lim, Lee had even contested as a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) candidate in the 2010 general election in the United Kingdom but lost, causing him to return home to Malaysia before contesting in the 2013 general election (GE13) on a DAP ticket.
“I condemn the fake news fabricated by Umno and Barisan Nasional-linked blogs to slander opposition figures, which goes into overdrive as the election draws near.
“I will not allow such rumours to deter me from the pressing mission of saving Malaysia from kleptocracy and providing a clean and just alternative government,” Lee said.
He also called for the people not to be distracted by false gossip, as efforts are under way to improve the lives of fellow Malaysian citizens.
“It is not for me to waste time disproving their false accusations, the burden of proof is on them. As the saying goes, ‘The truth is like a lion, let it be and it’ll defend itself’,” Lee said.