Although Elizabeth Wong’s matter is expected to come to a close by her formally leaving office yesterday, I would like to highlight two issues that arose from this sordid episode:
First, while all religion teaches us to be moral human beings, Islam also teaches us the importance of respecting one’s privacy. We are losing our humanity by focusing on unearthing scandals and shaming other individuals when it does not propagate the bigger agenda of making our community, religion, and nation better. Again, selective use of religious principles on certain cases whilst ignoring outright abuses in others, end up tarnishing the religion itself.
And second, the current focus on morality and scandalous outings must not derail us from our fight against corruption, human rights abuses, and political persecution. While I respect the MACC’s extremely speedy investigation against Tan Sri Khalid’s case, I must question what are they doing with regards to the countless police reports filed against the former Selangor MB, Dato’ Seri Dr. Khir Toyo. This gross act of selective prosecution must end now.
To those who aspire to wreck the fragile fabric of society by abusing our institutions, I warn you, we the people of Malaysia, will not let that happen. The safeguard to proper conduct of politics begins with the ethical institutions consisting of professional and efficient civil servants.
Via Email
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Lembah Pantai
20th February 2009
