Controversial LNP MP Rob Molhoek sells miracle holy basil tea

A GOLD Coast MP has turned “holy tea” salesman, flogging an Indian brew that claims to do everything from boosting sex drive to protecting the Taj Mahal.

A CONTROVERSIAL Gold Coast MP has turned “holy tea” salesman, flogging an Indian brew that claims to do everything from prevent snake bites and boost sex drive to protect the Taj Mahal from pollution.

Rob Molhoek, the LNP Member for Southport, is director of a Brisbane health products company that recently became the Australian distributor of Organic India Tulsi tea, or “holy basil”.

Organic India’s website claims the tea can help ward off everything from colds to malaria and typhoid; combat stress, memory loss, sexual difficulties and sleep problems; prevent “insect, snake and scorpion bites”; and protect the liver, kidney and brain from toxin damage.

It also claims researchers are investigating green tea’s potential to treat cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

“Oh, and did I mention that it is also used to protect buildings?” the website says.

“Yes, gardeners at the Taj Mahal have planted beds of the wonder herb to detoxify the environment and protect the magnificent palace from the damaging effects of pollution.”

It’s not the first time Mr Molhoek, who earns $180,000 a year as an MP, has been associated with a “miracle” health product.

The Sunday Mail revealed last year that Natural Vitality Australia, of which he is a director, was also selling a product that could turn people into human Smurfs if misused.

Member for Southport Rob Molhoek with his partner, Lucy Gu. Picture: David Clark

The product, colloidal silver, was named by consumer magazine Choice in a list of the 10 most dangerous supplements. It can cause irreversible blue-grey skin discolouration that saw one American man dubbed “Papa Smurf”.

Yesterday, Mr Molhoek told The Sunday Mail he had told his Natural Vitality “team” they needed to be “very careful” about any claims made about its products.

“If there are any inappropriate claims, we will need staff to address that,” he said.

Mr Molhoek said he understood the tea was “a health product used for detoxification” and was not aware of its “miracle” properties. He said he had taken the “Tulsi tea 21-day challenge” to reduce his coffee consumption.

Mr Molhoek said he only joined Natural Vitality to represent his Chinese partner, Weiqun “Lucy” Gu, and made full declarations on the parliamentary interests register.

The company employed 40 people and was creating jobs for Queensland, he said.

Two months ago, Mr Molhoek featured in a Facebook video by another Gold Coast-based Chinese businesswoman, Lydia Wee, donating packets of Tulsi tea for the annual CEO Sleepout to help the homeless.

Mr Molhoek also attended the launch of Ms Wee’s online business platform, Halleyplace, at a Gold Coast cafe and promoted the venture on his electorate Facebook page.

Last year, after making multiple trips to China, Mr Molhoek denied using his political connections to further his own business interests.

After splitting with wife Melinda, he began a relationship with Ms Gu, who owned a shipping company based in Shenzhen. The couple bought a house on the Gold Coast.

In 2013, Mr Molhoek was embroiled in controversy when he was gifted a $28,400 watch by a Chinese instant noodle tycoon. He declared the watch and it was later donated to charity for auction.