Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Original Sin of a politician (depends on which side)

This blog is written in reaction to recent issues raised by Hannah Yeoh, my constituency assemblywoman from Pakatan Rakyat. You could read the full story in her blog. In short, the incident could be summaried like this… Hannah Yeoh was invited to attend her (and also my) high school – SMK Subang Utama’s Prefects Reunion annual gathering (not-specified whether as VIP) which she was the Head prefect back in year 1996 and the founder of this annual reunion event. The event is organized by ex-prefects whom are the school graduates, as a private event. But somehow, the top two authority of the school were issuing stern warning and threats to the teachers and the current prefects not to attend the event if Hannah Yeoh is definitely a guest, or else they will face serious consequences of demoting or sacked from current positions (and other unknown consequences). The reasons they gave (from my sources) are: 1) Hannah Yeoh is an OPPOSITION politician, 2) Her presence will bring bad name to the school or affect the school’s development. Just based on these two premises, the top two school authority wants the organizing committee to withdraw the invitation and hence deny Hannah Yeoh’s right to attend the event.

From this story, I don’t know how do you look into this matter… to you, maybe it is just a petty issue regarding a private event, but the top two school authority certainly don’t think it’s a small matter to them. In my opinion, they are certainly overreacted and, perhaps to a large extent, serve their personal motive to please their ‘master’ (who else?). The reasons they gave are totally unfounded and absurd!!! First, what is wrong with politician? They are elected by the people through democratic practice, to serve their electorate and the community. They are not criminal or gangster or a disgrace personnel. I admit that, even i used to be annoyed by my ex-state assemblyman Lee Hwa Beng so much to see him presence in my official high school function, but i do not think that is in anyway inappropriate to invite him.

Okay, I see more sense now, it MUST be the reason because Hannah is from ‘opposition’? right? WRONG! Hannah Yeoh is a Pakatan Rakyat assemblywoman, which is a part of Selangor State GOVERNMENT. Oh, is it really nothing about whether from which side, politician will certainly spoil the party or the good name of the school? Come on, who is politicking the issue now? I am sure Hannah Yeoh is okay to just sit there to meet her old friends and giving her moral support to the prefects of SMKSU. She does not represent her political party to attend the event, but just represent herself as an alumni and ex-head prefect. I bet also that she did not request to be the guest speaker, and doesn’t mind to put aside her politician identity. Why must ‘mengheboh-hebohkan’ this issue? Nobody will give a damn if it is not for slick(sick)-minded top two school authority. What is so serious until issuing warning and even threats to young-minds and already-so-tired-and-low-morale teachers? Is this the message they are trying to send: Absolute obey and submit to the Authority, no questioning? It is all because of these feudal-minded bureaucrats who spoil the whole education systems. How could you expect bright students be taught and brought up from this kind of education environment and mentality? Ordinary school teachers are very little to be blamed, however professional they are performing (and coping), they are very demotivated and tired, all because of these selfish-minded bureaucrats who don’t give a damn about educational quality.

To me, Hannah Yeoh is one of the exceptional alumni, which the whole school should be very proud of having one. While she is serving in this constituency, you could expect she will be contributing more to her deeply-loved high school. It is very very shame for me, as an alumni, to see that happening. Some people just don’t see the logic.

I’m very concern, and learning that the organizing committee is under intense pressure to solve the matter. They also fear of losing too many participants (which could lead to debt) and worrying about the threats to the current students and teachers. Meanwhile, they are also reluctant to initiate and set a bad example to bow to unacceptable threats from the authority, and therefore opening the case for subsequent years to follow. Between protection of the welfare of beloved students and teachers and standing their ground, it is certainly not an easy task. I do hope everyone (especially SMKSUian) who reads and understands this could help to spread the stories and do not let ‘bad guys’ easily go through. We must stay conscious and informed to make a judgment, on certain rights or wrongs. Evil motives or intentions fear the TRUTH the most. Unless more people are aware and keeps seeking the TRUTH, evil will triumph.

Hannah Yeoh: SMKSU Prefects' Reunion

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