Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The price of our democracy - A Camry

-A commentary-


The Perak political fiasco has revealed the multi-facades of politicians who are willing to trade the trust and faith bestowed upon them by the people for material gains and positions of power. Three assemblypersons of the PKR declared themselves 'independent' and one re-joining UMNO 10 days after announcing his entry into the Pakatan Rakyat gave the Barisan Nasional coalition the opportunity to seize control over the state.

Jelapang assemblywoman Hee Yit Fong (image), probably the country's most hated woman right now, was said to be upset with the DAP leadership for not appointing her as a state exco. Thus, the clerk-turned-politician was not eligible for the new Toyota Camry the state has decided to purchase for state excos to replace the ageing fleet of Proton Perdanas.

On February 7, Perak DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham told reporters that Hee had initially asked for an exco seat but was denied by the party leadership.

Before the takeover, Hee was reported to have gone incommunicado with the party leadership and it was speculated that defection to the BN was imminent. DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng criticised Hee's actions through the media but the assemblywomen bit back, saying Lim should have 'some confidence in her'. Hee was apparently 'not feeling well' and switched off her mobile phone but Malaysians are not stupid to know that it was just a cheap excuse.

In less than a week after the declaration of a takeover by the BN, it was reported by The Malaysian Insider that Hee might just make it in the new line-up of state excos. And of course, if she does, she would finally receive her beloved Toyota Camry.

However, as of February 10, the new Perak state government announced its line-up of six new state excos as compared to the previous 10 under the Pakatan administration. And sure enough, none of the three independent assemblyperson who defected to the BN were on the list Perhaps it could only be a matter of time before their appointments as 'independents' may not be appointed as state excos. This is a grey area within Malaysian politics where the Chief Minister has the prerogative to appoint who he sees fit, according to Former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk N.H. Chan.

Hee has been targeted as the major culprit in assisting the BN takeover of Perak. That is because the other three who jumped ship have 'valid' reasons to do so whilst Hee's switch of allegiance can only be justified with one word - greed. But that is just my point of view.

Here is why. Firstly, both assemblymen Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) were charged with corruption prior to their defection. It is only plausible for one to speculate that they may just want to spare themselves from the political guillotine by jumping ship; thinking the BN might offer them an olive branch or rather, an escape rope?

Bota assemblyman Nasarudin Hashim, on the other hand, joined the Pakatan Rakyat from UMNO. He made a mockery of Malaysian politics when he announced his entry into the Pakatan Rakyat and then re-joined his former party 10 days later. Hence, it may be fair speculate that Nasarudin could have had skeletons in his political closet, forcing the Bota assemblyman to rejoin the party to guarantee silence on 'past sins'. But that's just speculation.

So, the three assemblymen mentioned above have their 'reasons' we could all understand (but ultimately, disapprove) for defecting to the BN. But what does Hee have to at least justify her defection apart from greed? She is neither charged for corruption or abuse of power. She has no reason to defect. In fact, she has not come out to explain her change in loyalties and had only mentioned her 'disappointment' in the DAP leadership for not having faith in her.

Thus, the Pakatan government would still command the majority even if only three assemblymen mentioned in the above were to defect to the BN coalition. Hee's actions have been pivotal in tipping the scale to BN's favour.

I can only say as much as to why Hee defected to the BN until she comes out of the cold to tell us all. But from her ramblings through the media, it is clear that she has been disappointed for not being offered a higher position of power. Could Hee have defected simply for being mad at her party superiors?

If truly she was disillusioned with the DAP, the only course of action would be to publicly resign for her post and party membership. Jumping ship would only mean BN has something better to offer.

Before this turns further into a scathing literal attack on Hee, let me just say that I may understand the actions of the other three assemblymen, I just fail to see the reasons for Hee to defect other than a tantrum directed to the DAP leadership and the greed for power.

For the time being, we could only wait and see if Hee would finally get her Toyota Camry. That would be the price she paid for selling democracy. But I foresee she may need soundproof doors to repel the countless verbal insults bound for a traitor.

17 comments :

  1. Anonymous said...

    If rumour is true then this lady is a multimillionaire. agree?
    -Arch@ngel-

  2. Anonymous said...

    Since the Hee woman was already given a Perdana, therefore the price of defection is only worth about RM50,000, ie., the price difference between a Camry and a Perdana.
    Real cheapskate !

  3. Anonymous said...

    Toyota Camry - the Car of The Year 2009!!!
    Hee Yit Fong - the Woman of The Year 2009 !!!- A woman who re-writes history for a state and her own. Wish she will achieve her goals and prosperity...rich and honour

  4. Anonymous said...

    You are right to say that she has no reason to justify her defection except for greed. Her dissapointment with Dap leadership is just a flimsy excuse to justify her move. But in her moment of greed, she has dishonored her name
    to a thousand generations that is to come. History is well documented with people ,fictions or otherwise who are remembered by their acts of betrayal,such as Judas and Brutus.
    She will continue to live with such guilt until
    she publicly repent her sin. No amount of money
    or car will give her peace and joy.

  5. Anonymous said...

    Betrayed Perakians just for a Camry! Why dont u tell us ealier, we donate RM 1 per person. U may drive Ferrari.

    Oh yeah, u earned millions recently. Don't forget to claim handicap allowance in ur tax return form next year!

  6. Anonymous said...

    Pls don't listen to rumour! If you guys in PKR side you will blame her. But if otherwise, long live Hee... now you know which side is the best.
    PKR n BN all the same.
    BN exco said.. Thank you for the new Camry. Why not Merc? Watch out Selangor...

  7. Anonymous said...

    Traitor indeed. It's incomprehensible how 22 years in a party could be flushed down the toilet for a mere Camry. Not to mention the huge hongbao on top of that. These greedy low-lives should not be even allowed to hold top offices, let alone serve the rakyat.

    P.S. Jonathan, while your blog is an enjoyable read, I think the sub-text of the title should read: 'Stand Up for Malaysia; No one fights sitting down, except Karpal Singh' Cheers, brother. :]

  8. jonathan ong said...
    This comment has been removed by the author.
  9. jonathan ong said...

    Calvin,

    Haha... I meant it as a general phrase =) Thanks for reading, by the way. Cheers.

  10. Anonymous said...

    I don't think she quit for a Camry??? Would u??? I don't blame her, if we were in her shoe? 1 million might not buy u and me right.... wat about 5 million, still no? How about 10 million ? you can't possibly earn so much as an assembly woman, As for me I want more than 30 million if people will hate me for the rest of my life. Even handicapped people have expectation. I will migrate, leave all the people that elected me and change my name and live where no one know where Perak is. Australia Willian Bay is a good choice

  11. VASANTARAO APPALASAMY said...

    Shame on you, Hee....
    Selling peoples believe just because of a Camry?

    Let people judge you! People of Perak will see how you going to survive in the next election!

    Don't show ur cheap face in Perak anymore, people fed up with u already!

  12. jonathan ong said...

    Realistic Man,
    Of course I know she didn't quit for just a car. The Camry is meant to personify her materialistic greed. Being an exco=higher position=one Toyota Camry.

  13. Anonymous said...

    Judas betrayed Jesus for a bag of coins. Everyone has a price. What's yours?

  14. Anonymous said...

    Only people who are inferior and lack of confidence have to be compensated by material wealth.

  15. Anonymous said...

    My point of view, i think we should consider possibility of harassment from UMNO/MCA morons. You know that she is handicapped so she is not very strong enough to handle the pressure. Even Arumugam cannot take it. PR should have been proactive to give some protection and shield for their representatives from any kind of harassment, buying or sabotage the moment they get some signals of such events have occurred. Why these were not done? I will rather blame the PR leaders for their clumsiness and BN atrocities.

  16. Anonymous said...

    hee is responsible for her actions but her handicap is not her fault, so please do not attack or comment on it. beware of kamar.

  17. Unknown said...

    It is not only greed but vindictiveness as well - to get back at the DAP for not getting what she thought she deserved - an ex-co post.