Is hypocrisy part of our national psyche?

FEB 19 – Brian Yap | Malaysianinsider

Hypocrisy has always thrived in Malaysian life. In my mind, the emphasis we place on the symbolic and superficial, often at the expense of the truly consequential, is one of the defining characteristics of our national culture in the past few decades.

It comes in many forms. We constantly use multiracialism and diversity as selling points to the wider world, but at home, the mainstream political discourse remains wary of truly breaking down the barriers between the different communities that make up Malaysia.

We hoist up symbols like the keris, the Petronas Twin Towers and Putrajaya, even as meaningful, long-term development eludes us, whether in the realms of culture, economy or democracy.

Hypocrisy also comes in the form of this facade of morality we like to put up. We sit by quietly while louder than thou moral guardians attempt to impose their views on all Malaysians.

We pretend their views are representative of a significant majority, even while so many of us look forward to reading unsubstantiated "exclusives" about sex parties and illicit celebrity affairs in the best-selling tabloids and magazines. Even as there's ample evidence that Malaysians aren't as conservative as it is often portrayed to be. As long as we talk about god and religion often enough, however, we can all safely remain in this illusory bubble of morality.

In calling for Elizabeth Wong to step down, Selangor opposition leader Khir Toyo put his political opportunism and hypocrisy on public display. Given his performance as opposition leader, this isn't surprising.

What's surprising, however, is how big this story has become, given the absence of any wrongdoing. Of course, as much as everybody likes to blame the media, we consumers are the ones who continue to perpetuate the sleaze. Sex sells, even if, like in this case, it is merely hinted at. And a mere hint of sex is more than enough for the hypocrites among us come to some form of judgement.

Like anyone with a passing involvement with NGO and civil society work, I have worked with Wong on several occasions. I cannot even begin to imagine how tough this must all be on her. Whatever her decision, it should be hers to make.

But this story isn't about her alone. Instead, it's a test on Malaysians, more specfically urban Malaysians, about where our priorities are. It's about how serious we are about moving the country in a new direction. One where we are committed to issues of good governance, of fighting corruption, and reclaiming the rights of ordinary Malaysians from the entrenched political establishment and their cronies.

Like many of the new Pakatan state governments, the Selangor government has formidable enemies, from rival political parties to property developers, corporate big shots to shady businessmen with links to the underworld. These are parties that are not used to having to deal with the people's interests, and will do almost anything to halt the development of a democratic culture in our country.

The status quo isn't sitting by idly while their profiteering is under threat. Elected officials from Pakatan have been arrested for standing with their constituents. Local councillors have been threatened while performing their duty. The government of Perak has been overthrown. And now, this.

These are serious times. The task of reforming our nation is a serious one, and it demands that we too, be serious about it. Likewise, those who seek our mandate to begin the work of remaking Malaysia must also do the right thing, even when it's inconvenient. In fact, I would argue, this smearing of Elizabeth Wong isn't a distraction to a bigger goal. Instead, it is an opportunity to prove that demeaning political tactics will no longer have the impact they once did.

Here's a newsflash for those who remain unaware. Elizabeth Wong is not a perfect person. Neither is anyone from the Prime Minister down to Zaid Ibrahim. But the fact of the matter is, she has broken no law, nor has she transgressed any moral and ethical boundaries. In fact, she is undoubtedly the victim in this situation. Accepting her resignation, even as we continue to decry the use of such unethical and sexist tactics, would be akin to legitimising such methods. It would be downright hypocritical.

PKR, Pakatan Rakyat and the Selangor state government must stand by Wong through this difficult time. The support she has received from her constituents, resident associations and NGOs should give all those involved in deciding her future in the Selangor government some food for thought.

Awhile back, I remember receiving via e-mail some photos of a younger Hishamuddin Hussein at a house party, where he was consuming what looked like cans of beer. No doubt, there will be some who will extrapolate and make all sorts of conclusive judgements about his character. If he was my religious teacher, I would be a little more concerned, but he isn't.

Likewise, Michael Phelps is no less an amazing swimmer nor Barack Obama a transformative president even if both have admitted to smoking marijuana before. Gerak Khas is no more or less exciting a TV series because Norman Hakim was unfaithful.

Role models can come from anywhere in society. But if we are looking toward politicians to provide us with a moral compass, there's clearly something very wrong with us. It's time to drop this hypocritical facade and judge them on their ability to get their job done well. No more, no less.