KUALA LUMPUR: A prominent Chinese educationist has quit all his posts following rumours of a scandal.

Chinese newspapers yesterday reported that Loot Ting Yee announced his resignation as adviser to both the Lim Lean Geok (LLG) Cultural Development Centre and Jiao Zong (United Chinese School Teachers Association) after alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a girl.

The alleged victim, a reporter from the Chinese media, had made the claim in her blog.

But rumours alleging the retiree's inappropriate behaviour had been rife for years due to his relationship with young girls whom he regarded as his kei loi (god-daughters).

In a statement to the Chinese press yesterday, Loot, who is in his 70s, said he would resign from all posts immediately and would not make any more public appearances.

He said he was close to his kei loi but the relationships were strictly that of "father-and-daughter".

He said he was unaware his affectionate gestures would be misinterpreted and apologised to anyone he had offended. --NST