The Understanding
For the past few days, we read about political leaders giving comments about the appointment of Lee Kah Choon, a former leader of Gerakan.
Before I write further, I need to stress that I am neither here to support nor against his decision of accepting the said appointment.
After reading yesterday’s paper, I told myself, why can’t Kah Choon’s decision be respected? Does he deserves these labelling:- opportunist and lack in principle from his former comrades. What about all the contributions he had made to the said Party? It all vanished just like that, because he decided to move to another path?
In 1999 General Election, Kah Choon stood against Karpal Singh in Jelutong and won. If I am not mistaken, he was a practising lawyer at that point of time. He won the seat for Gerakan. I believe, not many would want to contest in the said seat whereby the chances of winning was slim. But, he won, unexpectedly.
In 2004, he won again and was made the Parliamentary Secretary to Health Ministry. For two terms in the House, I conclude that he hardly speaks in political tone. He plays lesser politics compared to others.
I do not know what went wrong in Gerakan, and I am not going to crack my head to find out.
I only want to share this feelings of mine.
Didn’t he contribute and play his role when his Party needed him in 1999 when most opted for “safer seat”? Didn’t he carry out his Ministry responsibilities when he was given the task? He lost in the recent election. Correct me if I am wrong, I think he ceased his practice in 2004 to hold his Parliamentary Secretary position.
Now he has a choice. He made the decision and he will bear the consequences, both positive and negative. Gerakan should be happy that Kah Choon decided to hold the said position oered by the Penang government and later quit the Party, if he is such an opportunist and lack of principle, as labelled, both by Keng Yaik and Chang Ko Youn.
I would conclude that in politics, the public will never know all the truth. The answer to the questions of “why, where, when, what and who” will remain a guessing topic for outsiders.
Kah Choon was able to reconcile the 3 interests ( I think) and to arrive at this decision. Let us give some understanding to Kah Choon. Every action, there is an reaction.
To me, all actions by all Parties should not be at the expense of the trust and mandate given by the people.
A very magnanimous move by YAB Guan Eng at great risk of offending his own comrades.
Many people may ask why Kah Choon’s the choice. If I may hazard a guess, YAB took into consideration experience, temperament and aptitude. Very likely Kah Choon knows the corporate culture and networking of the PDC better than any other candidates who are as eminent qualified if not better.
YB Fong, you rightly pointed out Kah Choon’s first foray into politics entered the lion’s den instead of choosing a safe seat.
It must be noted Kah Choon is serving without pay.
Elections already over. Time for reconcilliation and restoring the shine of the pearl of the orient.
Comment by cheang — April 26, 2008 @ 9:37 pm
Look at it this way. When Man Utd bought Eric Cantona from arch rival Leeds United they went on to dominate the English football scene. Who gained the most? Man Utd fans that paid good money for tickets, replicate jerseys, magazines and TV viewing.
So all this talk about “against BN spirit”, “no worthwhile people in DAP”, “sidelining own people” fail to reconcile to a basic principle of meritcracy and democracy, which LGE clearly sees it.
IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PENANG PEOPLE THAT GAVE DAP THE MANDATE
Come on, DAP does not have all the talented people in its rank so why not get someone good to come in? We all talk about the white / black cat getting the mouse. If he does not perform in 2 years boot him out. If he is working for free then he must mean genuine article, unless somehow much economic benefits go to him (unlikely, I think)
Badawi and Koh are reacting because they fear the defection from BN ranks but Mister Karpal’s unhappiness is less understandable, perhaps he is peeved at not being consulted before.
For me, it’s a brilliant move qnd LGE deserves a pat on the back for thinking out of the box. The only worry for me is it would intensify any internal politicking within DAP. I hope not.
Comment by lee wee tak — April 28, 2008 @ 6:32 pm