By Wong Choon Mei | suaraKeAdilan | Feb 17, 2009
KeADILan assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan has offered to resign her seat and also to quit her post in the Selangor state executive council, following the illegal distribution of photos taken of her while asleep and in the nude.
The circulation of the photos, denounced as a ploy to kill the 37-year old’s political career, has shocked the nation and outraged womens’ groups, regardless of political camps and ethic background.
Said Chew Mei Fun, MCA Wanita chief: “We are outraged by such shameful acts of using women as sexual objects. It is an outright invasion of the privacy of women as well as an exploitation of women for political use.”
“We would like to advise all women to be cautious. We also urge the government to strictly enforce implementation of the Act which provides for punitive measures so that it becomes a real deterrent against such detestable behaviour.”
Said Lo’ Lo Ghazali, PAS MP for Titiwangsa: “Whose photographs would be circulated after this? It is as if these people who circulate such photographs have nothing better to do.”
Said Noraini Ahmad, Umno’s Deputy Human Resources Minister: “Regardless of who, we have to have respect their privacy and it has to be protected. We should also educate society to refrain from invading people’s privacy.”
Rising above gutter politics, to fight on for justice
Meanwhile, a highly traumatized Elizabeth thanked all those who showed her moral support throughout her ordeal, and promised to continue to fight for justice.
“I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person. I have broken no law. I stand by the fundamental principle in a democracy that has a right to privacy,” said Elizabeth, who broke down in tears as the press conference wore on.
“I am offering my resignation in the interest of the party. Parti Keadilan Rakyat stands for ‘new’ politics that holds justice and human rights as core values which transcend gender, ethnicity and class. ‘New’ politics also means we rise above gutter politics.
“I have received overwhelming support from my family, my constituents, colleagues in Pakatan Rakyat, friends and the public.
“I will discuss with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim to arrange for the proper hand over of my responsibilities. I will continue to serve the people and fight for justice.”
Khalid to seek audience with Sultan
Earlier, Anwar had been expected to announce a decision this afternoon. However, the party has decided that Khalid will seek the views of the Selangor Sultan first.
“This turn of event is unfortunate as YB Elizabeth Wong has been an exemplary exco member. I am sure Malaysians and the people of Selangor will reject the use of such shameful tactics and join me in condemning the desperate people responsible,” said Khalid.
Khalid also said Elizabeth will go on leave until a decision is announced.
If KeADILan accepts her resignations, the Bukit Lanjan seat will fall vacant and a by-election would have to be called.
A former environmentalist and human rights activist, Elizabeth was a hardworking assemblywoman who was popular and well-liked by her constituents.
Despite the circulation of the photos around town and their publication in some of the Umno-BN controlled media, many Bt Lanjan folk have urged her not to quit.
Civil society groups, coalition colleagues and many rival lawmakers too have stood by her, condemning the voyeurism as a gross invasion of her personal privacy. They have urged the police to act quickly.
Nevertheless, her critics have also called for her resignation, including Umno Youth chief aspirant Mohd Khir Toyo, who accused Elizabeth of immoral conduct.
Elizabeth was also the state executive councilor in charge of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment, and information chief of the Women’s wing of KeADILan and of her Petaling Jaya Utara division.
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