Wong snubbed by Government Again

National Party Leader Bill English says the Labour Government has snubbed the country’s only Chinese-born MP - again.

“As the country’s first Asian MP and only Chinese born MP, I’m offended that Pansy Wong wasn’t formally invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship with China,” says Mr English.

“But to make it worse, it’s the latest in a series of slurs the Labour Government’s directed her way.

“Earlier this month the Immigration Minister’s husband singled her out at a public meeting saying this country didn’t need “my sort.”

“Then during a National Party visit to China in October, the New Zealand Embassy there was instructed not to host us,” he says.

“And to add insult to injury, it’s the second time Helen Clark’s excluded Pansy from a "Chinese" function, the first time was the "Chinese apology" cocktail party in February after she’d attacked her for consultation failures.

“It’s not surprising given this extreme lack of sensitivity that the Chinese community feel let down by the Government.

“They believe the Government should have done more to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations,” according to Mr English.

“Combine all this with the recent decision to beef up the English skills test for migrants and there’s a sorry picture emerging, one that the Chinese community can’t afford not to notice.

“Given this continuing attack on an MP who’s highly regarded for her achievements, I’m turning down Helen Clark’s invitation to attend tonight’s function.

“It’s not the relationship with China I’m boycotting, it’s the Labour Government,” says Mr English.

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