I am shocked and flabbergasted to read in the local newspapers that the incumbent Temiang assemblyperson Lee Yuen Fong should be allowed to hold BN to ransom and impose the condition that he will only resign if his son is named as the new candidate for the Temiang constituency.
Is this the ‘new healthy culture’ in MCA politics that president Ong Ka Ting endeavours to develop in MCA? If Ong Ka Ting allows this assemblyperson to impose such a condition, he is setting a very dangerous precedent.
This assemblyperson's son, Jason Lee, is only 29 years old and had been a member of MCA for hardly three years. The father made his son his personal assistant and took him along for his constituency work.
A year ago, Lee had lobbied for his son to be appointed a Seremban municipal councillor but failed. There was a barrage of opposition from MCA Seremban Division’s grassroots leaders as Jason is from the Rasah Division.
It is now common knowledge that this issue of Lee wanting his son to be an election candidate has again ignited another uproar of protest from the MCA branches in the Seremban division. I understand there is an ongoing signature campaign against the move.
Ong Ka Ting must not bow to this dangerous precedent of state assemblypersons or members or Parliament imposing conditions for the appointment of their children as if an election candidacy is personal chattel that can be passed on to next of kin.
I would also like to refer to the Malaysiakin i report Penang - fireworks guaranteed .
With news about opposition party DAP bringing in outsiders to Penang to contest in the coming general elections, it seems that some members of our mainstream press are already playing their roles as hatchet men for the government.
What’s so wrong about bringing in outsiders to contest in a general election if the chosen candidates are of high-calibre? These kinds of situations do not come at the expense of local leaders.
Anyone who wishes to put himself, or herself, up for election must understand and appreciate his or her own capabilities and limitations. Being a good grassroots leader does not guarantee effectiveness or success in Parliament or in the state assembly.
Localised issues may be easy for grassroots leaders to solve, but when it comes to performance in Parliament or the state assembly, that's another level. I cannot imagine them crossing swords with the prime minister or seasoned ministers and MPs on issues affecting the country, economy and the world at large.
In my opinion, the so-called ‘parachuted candidates’ that the DAP proposes fielding in the upcoming general elections are highly qualified.
What is important for the constituents is to have able and capable candidates who look after their interests, speak up for them without fear or favour and can get the job done. It doesn't matter if they are from the government or from the opposition.
Local representatives for my constituency are so incompetent but get elected each time because of the party that they represent. The time has come for the people to vote first for the individual (in some cases) and second for the party.
To local leaders who feel sidelined by their parties’ introduction of new candidates, please look in the mirror and ask yourself ‘Why did the party not nominate me to stand in the coming general election?’ I am sure the reasons are plenty.
