PETALING JAYA, 18 Feb 2009: A group of concerned citizens handed in a memorandum to Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim today, calling on him not to accept Elizabeth Wong’s resignation.
The memorandum, which contained 450 signatures, said Wong had not committed any crime and the nude pictures of her which are being circulated without her consent did not affect public interest in any way.
“They also don’t undermine her abilities to do her job as the exco in charge of tourism, environment and consumer affairs in the Selangor government,” the memorandum said.
The memorandum said that if the state government or any political party forced a politician to resign because of a private matter that did not have an impact on public interest, this would be undemocratic and contradicted the people’s will.
It stressed that Wong, who is from Parti Keadilan Rakyat, had a right to privacy and nobody had a right to question her lifestyle. “If a competent and principled politician is forced to resign because of dirty political tactics, and not because of public interest, it will be a sad day for all Malaysians.”
Wong, 37, is also a first time state assemblyperson for Bukit Lanjan.
The memorandum said that if the Selangor government accepted Wong’s offer to resign, it meant that the Pakatan Rakyat was giving in to dirty political tactics that could eventually affect every single elected representative.
“The people choose their elected representative or the government of the day to administer the state. The people do not hand over the right to the government, shameless politicians or (former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad) Khir Toyo to question and interfere in people’s private lives.
“During an election, the people choose a candidate for his or her party manifesto and competence, not for their moral purity.”
The 450 signatures were collected on 17 Feb at a DAP-organised forum, Perak Coup D’état: What Say You?, held in Klang.
Achoo! says
Stupid DAP forum! Why should they harass and pressure the MB? He should know what is in the best interest of the Adun, the party and the Pakatan, and what is in the best interest of the Rakyat.
Also please don’t say everybody will vote for people of poor moral standards, otherwise we will still have a BN MB in Selangor.
Thomas Tan says
I agree with the concerned citizen. Speaking as a visitor to your country I am of the opinion the former MB is not judging but playing politics with the issue.
Ying says
Why can’t people get it in their heads that it is not immoral or criminal to sleep in the nude (partial or otherwise).
The gross invasion of privacy and abuse of trust makes me feel lonely and — honestly — naked. And it saddens me that there are members of the public who think it is their right to cast moral judgment.
What makes anyone think their moral standing is better than that of others? How conceited! The extent of the human ego is shocking and shameful.
Elizabeth’s life has been dedicated for the betterment of society. As far as I’m concerned, and I’m sure many will agree with me, she’s done more moral good than sideline hecklers who think it is their imperative to cast the first stone.