When Superman Fled The Earth In Shame

I have only a couple of simple requests of my elected reps (and yes, I expect these to apply to me too);

1) I expect them to be polite, no matter the issue. It’s okay to get mad or have passion (actually, passion is good), but it is not okay to be abusive or uncivilized in this day and age.

2) I don’t want to have to catch these abusive politicians twice. Given that its the silly season running up to the elections, I fully expect the current crop of politicians from both sides of the divide to lie, obfuscate and try to “shades-of-gray” the truth.

What I don’t like is personal attacks and character assassinations in the street fighting, no-holds-barred, absolutely everything my opponent does is wrong tactic that seems to have become the norm today.

My 4-year old niece has learned these rules - be nice, and when and if you do screw up, admit it. I don’t think that’s too much to ask of our elected reps.

Which brings me to DAP Central Publicity Chief Dr Hew Kuan Yau and his much talked about "Chopping" Chinese Kung Fu style of public speaking. Hew obtained his doctorate in the Chinese University of Hong Kong as a historian. In addition to the study of history, Hew is also a Mathematician.

As the DAP’s Central Publicity and Political Education Director, it is incumbent on Hew to exhibit exemplary behavior and his words should be reflective of his mature thinking and good character.

Sadly, the reality is that you can be a PhD holder, but a person’s character is not determined by his academic qualification. Conversely there are many people who did not receive much formal education but are of very good character.

Hew has consistently engaged in anti-social behavior and grandstanding, using shock tactics to ensure he remains in the public’s consciousness.  The manner in which he cursed the MCA president and his family publicly is certainly an eye-opener to the brand of politics the Opposition is currently practicing.

Hew called Chua “soh hai” (literally translated as stupid cunt) and “ham ka charn” (Cantonese to condemn a person’s entire family to perish) during the DAP’s 45th anniversary dinner on Oct 13. In contrast, Chua merely responded by saying that it was up to the people to decide whether they wanted a government that focused on using foul words, personal attacks and empty promises; or one that seriously tried to resolve issues faced by the people.

Chua said Hew and the DAP had gone overboard as such an attack was contrary to the DAP leaders' stand when accusations of sexual molest were made against Marcus Lim, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's son.

“It does not gel with Guan Eng's statement that politics should leave out children and family members of politicians,” he told reporters in his measured response. Chua continued by saying personal attacks against other politicians and their family members should be condemned as it did not augur well for politics in the country.

On a related point of interest – the DAP had to scramble to do damage control over Hew calling SUPP members “Orang Utan” in another recent name calling episode.

Spank this monkey for the details

Here’s another shining example of the lengths some PhD holders will stoop to get our attention – in full view of special guest YB Lim Guan Eng, YB Anthony Loke, YB Teresa Kok, YB Liew Chin Tong, YB Wong Ho Leng, YB Leong Mee Meng & several other Ybs, Hew dons red underwear on stage! I heard Superman fled the earth in shame over this one.

Date : 02/05/2011 Time : 6:00pm Venue : Musical Corridor, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri. 

Don’t believe me? Spank this cute lil fella here