HOLIER THAN THOU?
In Chua Soi Lek’s own words:
Well, after I made the confession, I hoped Malaysians would be able to accept my apology. But unfortunately, based on the feedback that I have received, I observed that Malaysians were unable to do that. Some Malaysians can be said to be “holier than thou”. This means they are all ulama (religious teachers). So, I think if I continue to hold positions in the party or Government, this will be a burden to the Government and party, especially in the context of Islam Hadhari. And also in the context of what has been recommended by my president, which is healthy political culture.
However, I hope my resignation, which is based supposedly on moral issues, will be a lesson to other leaders, whether from the MCA or any other component party. I think anyone who has made a mistake or has certain weaknesses, then he has to be responsible as a leader.
And I have already stepped forward in front of not only the leaders of the country and party but the people. And it looks like it cannot be accepted. So, I think it is better for my family and I that I resign so that I will not be a burden to the country’s leadership.
Let’s switch gears for a moment.
There is a certain journalist in New Zealand who hosts politicians on her weekly radio show. She has a fiery and confrontational style, where everything is fair game, and nothing is taboo. She will probe and attack and insult. Whatever it takes to get answers.
Her reasoning?
Politicians have made a conscious choice to enter public office. And in doing so, they give up their rights as private citizens, and become public property. We own them. They are answerable to us. And if they can’t stand the heat, then they can step down from public office, and scurry back to their lives as private citizens.
But having said that, isn’t it odd for Malaysians to attack a man for sexual immorality, while ignoring the misdeeds of other politicians who have done much, much worse?
January 6, 2008 at 6:36 pm
It is scary cuz for the size of Malaysia, we tend to claim “ownership” of other people just because we contribute to their lives one way or another. Perhaps in the case of this politivcian, people went too far in voicing up simply because they are tax-paying citizens. Remember how people thought they had a right to “teach me a lesson” while I was raising funds?
I think there is a line between free speech and individualism. Yes, politicians enters the public arena and should expect such criticisms, but on the part of citizens, there should have been an unspoken line. Much like how we wouldn’t think of “scolding” the children of our relatives no matter how naughty they behave in public because they are not our children.
January 6, 2008 at 6:41 pm
By saying that, I do not mean the citizens were wrong to speak up. But the way we speak and react to situations shows our maturity as individuals. We can always give opinions without attacking the person. Like when I was not happy seeing how people refused to show up at my concert, I became upset and wrote out of frustration. It was a momentary conduct, but people judged me as a person based on that, attacking me personally. And that wasn’t very nice.