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.