FALLEN FROM GRACE

Even before the trial of Tun Ling Leong Sik over the PKFZ fiasco could begin in earnest, we now hear that his once cabinet buddy Tan Sri Samy Vellu will likely be the next to follow him to the courts. If the allegation against Tun Ling involves the loss of billions in public fund, Tan Sri Samy allegation for the misappropriation of party fund in the MIED affairs, is but a fraction of PKFZ loses. Interestingly, the allegation against these two former ministers and party leader, and their impending court appearance is seen by some as retribution for the abuses that both may have done during their long period in political power. I do not know if there will be more allegation and charges, but I think this single allegation itself is enough to make them restive, and hopefully remorseful for the rest of their life.

Honestly, I do not have any sympathy for person(s) who have committed any form of abuse or misdeeds while in power. My only hope is that they be given a fair trial, and if indeed the allegation against them is found to be true, they ought to be punished severely. Honorific titles before their names and their past service to the nation should not influence judgment; rather judgment meted should be one that serves as a deterrent for others. The fall from grace with such honorific titles before their names, is most shameful for these two former national leaders.

Another leader to have fallen from grace is former Selangor state Menteri Besar Khir Toyo. It surprised me most to know that Dato Shamsuddin; a person that I met a few months ago, is complicit in the charges against Khir Toyo. Surely, it doesn’t make any business sense for Dato Shamsuddin to have offered Khir Toyo the sale of a valued property for half the price that the former had purchased. And despite Khir Toyo’s persistent denial that he has done no wrong in the property acquisition, and that it was his right to purchase the property at whatever price offered by the seller, such an unusual deal however raises more suspicion than truth. I however give credit to Khir Toyo for his decision to quit his position as the opposition leader in the state legislative assembly and to be relieved off all party post, pending the settlement of his court case.

Now, Dato Rais Yatim may be feeling a sense of relieve over the latest revelation in the Indonesian media that he did not commit rape of his maid as widely alleged. The maid herself has not made an appearance to deny the allegation. However, I believe this allegation has somewhat marred Dato Rais Yatim’s personality, in an otherwise controversial free and an outstanding politician that he is said to be. I am not at all surprise that this case may take center stage in the campaign during the up-coming by-election in Tenang, Johore.

And are we not surprised that the Chua Soi Lek sexual escapade in a hotel in Muar some years ago has resurfaced in Tenang? I suppose this are the hazards that our politicians have to bear, for being a politician as their preferred vocation.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION