Under fire former DAP leader Hew Kuan Yau (above) has resigned as chief executive officer for the Malaysia China Business Council (MCBC)

He said this is to ensure the "smooth operation" of the council.

The announcement comes after continuing brickbats against Hew over a comic he authored about China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The book, which was distributed to schools, has been banned by the Home Ministry for promoting and spreading of erroneous facts about communist ideology, among other reasons.

Hew has defended his work, saying it was meant to promote better understanding between Malaysia and China, as well as the BRI.

He was appointed as MCBC CEO in January.

His full statement is as follows:

In order to ensure the smooth operation of the Malaysia China Business Council (MCBC), I have tendered my resignation to the Chairman of the Council YB Tan Kok Wai with immediate effect and my decision is final.

During my tenure as the CEO over the past 8 months, I have devoted myself to strengthen the economy and trade, promote people-to-people bond and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China so as to better connect to the “Belt and Road Initiative”. My intention was to open more resources for the establishment of a modernised Malaysia as the country has been hollowed out by the kleptocracy of the previous government.

I had always believe that if Malaysians can understand more about the development and changes of the Chinese civilisation and society, it will surely provide valuable insights for the promotion of friendship, economic and trade exchanges between Malaysia and China, as well as the understanding of modernity and public governance of the Chinese civilisation.

I have spent half my life fighting for the betterment of Malaysia without considering my own interests. Thus, I have fulfilled my mission in promoting the process of democratisation in Malaysia. Fortunately, the new Malaysia has an independent judiciary and an increasingly clean political culture. However, as for ethnic equality and social freedom, I believe these are far from ideal.

I would like to thank my leaders and colleagues at the MCBC for their support and kind understanding. In the days to come, I will take good care of my family and fulfill my filial duties to my parents and in-laws.

Moreover, this will offer an opportunity for me to think about my life after almost turning 50, having left the public sector.

Thank you once again.

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