John Key: Statement on Yang Liu
John Key MP
National Party Leader
18 October 2008
Statement on Yang Liu
National Party Leader John Key said today he has met Auckland businessman Yang Liu, cited in the New Zealand Herald today.
“I read in the newspaper this morning about the questions being raised about Mr Liu. The following facts are relevant.
“I recall meeting Mr Liu three times, twice at lunches before the 2005 election, and once where we were both at the same event after the election in late 2005 or early 2006. Pansy Wong was in attendance at the two lunches.
“I have not
met him since becoming leader.
“National Party
policies, and politics generally, were discussed at the
lunches. At no time were his residency or citizenship
issues discussed.
“Before the last election Mr Liu made an unsolicited donation of $5000 which was passed on by my electorate officials to the National Party headquarters.
“I did not discuss donations with Mr Liu at any of the three encounters.
“Until now, I have not had any knowledge of any issues surrounding Mr Liu.
“It appears to me that he was reasonably active in getting to know politicians across the political spectrum.
“Obviously it is for the Government to answer questions about the advice they received from officials in relation to Mr Yiu.”
Ends