‘We are no cult members’

The Star, Malaysia/September 17, 2015

By Tan Sin Chow

George Town -- A group of people accused of following deviationist teachings in Tanjung Bungah have denied the allegation.

They also refuted claims that they were agents of a direct selling company that had been recruiting youths into its scheme.

Thng Mei Chen, a kindergarten principal in her 30s, said they were merely a group of “like-minded people” who strongly believe in the philosophy and teachings of a 52-year-old corporate consultant and motivational speaker.

“All of us have our own professions. We have been attending his sessions at a house in Tanjung Bungah.

“He imparts us with good moral values and the simple philosophy in life. He also gives us pointers when we face difficulties in life.

“It is not true that we are cult members or whatever reported in the media,” she said in a press conference at a hotel here yesterday.

The alleged cult activities of the group came to light when two women sought help from Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik after their daughters became rebellious and refused to further their tertiary education.

The mothers alleged that their daughters had refused to come home after joining the group and attended the group ses-sions.

One of the mothers lodged a police report at the central police station in Jalan Carnarvon on Friday.

Beautician Katherine Low, 20, whose mother had sought help from Ng over her whereabouts, said she had contacted her family members and told them she was fine.

Low, who was offered a place to study Mechatronics at a university in Malacca, said she did not take up the offer as the course was not her preference.

“I applied to study nutrition or biology but I did not get it. I am happy with the way I am living now.

“I have told my parents about my career path but they did not want to listen.

“I want to focus on my career now and will continue with my studies later,” she said.

Thng said some of the group members had lodged police reports over the matter.

She said they also lodged complaints with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission after news reports linking them with deviationist teaching and direct selling company surfaced on social media.

“We have engaged lawyers to look into the matter,” she said.

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