David SHEARER
Labour Leader
21 May 2012
MEDIA STATEMENT
Labour Leader Receives Assurances on Liu Case
Labour Leader David Shearer has received assurances from MP Shane Jones that he followed the proper process when
granting citizenship to Yong Ming Yan (Bill Liu) when he was associate Immigration Minister.
“Following the allegations, which I took seriously, I spoke to Shane Jones and asked for his assurance that the correct
process had been followed when the decision to grant citizenship was made in 2008. I also looked through the information
Shane has from the time at the weekend and spoke to a number of other Labour MPs who were aware of the issues involved
in the Liu case.
“Having looked at the material we have available, it appears that the process through which Yong Ming Yan (Bill Liu) was
granted citizenship was considered and proper. We of course do not have access to the departmental files, but are
relying on information retained by Shane about the case.
“Shane has also answered questions I put to him regarding suggestions of any benefit he might have received from Mr Liu.
Shane absolutely denies any pecuniary association with Mr Liu. He has received no money, gifts or travel.
“Shane is not a friend of Mr Liu. He believes he has met him on one or two occasions.
“It is worth noting that there are differences in the facts presented in court and those presented by Shane Jones,
including that he was sworn in a day after receiving citizenship. These are the facts presented to me from Shane Jones.
· Shane received the application for Mr Liu’s citizenship on 14 July 2008.
· He met with Department of Internal Affairs’ officials twice, once for over an hour.
· In early August he received a submission from the lawyer acting on Mr Liu’s behalf, John Billington QC, which
he referred to DIA for comment.
· Officials recommended that citizenship not be granted. But Shane felt the officials had not established a
clear case against Mr Liu.
· Citizenship was granted on 6 August 2008.
· Former MP Dover Samuels wrote to Shane Jones requesting a citizenship ceremony be held. Mr Jones replied to Mr
Samuels telling him to talk to DIA directly.
· The ceremony was held on 11 August 2008. Shane Jones did not attend.
ENDS