THE Opposition parties must set a higher standard upon themselves should they wish to differentiate themselves from Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, said Johor DAP central executive committee member Dr Boo Cheng Hau.
“That’s why I find it regrettable that DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng didn’t take a bold move to refuse the chairmanship and face his own corruption charges first.
“I believe in his innocence but Lim must go through the legal process before reclaiming any posts. On the contrary, his refusal to step aside will adversely affect the party’s standings in public eye,” he said, in a statement.
On March 23, Boo raised eyebrows when he urged Lim to relinquish his chairmanship of the party and focus on his corruption trial first.
The veteran DAP leader also called upon DAP deputy chairperson, Gobind Singh Deo to vacate his seat temporarily as the latter was serving as Lim’s counsel in the trial, which may raise conflict of interest claims later on.
“Alternatively, Gobind can stay as deputy chairperson but Lim must get another counsel to represent him in the graft trial,” Boo was reported as suggesting.
On that note, Boo also suggested for Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to vacate his party post temporarily as well until settles his alleged breach of trust and money laundering charges if he was keen to work with Pakatan Harapan.
“Syed Saddiq has to set a good example to the younger generation without dragging down Pakatan and go through the legal process to clear his name before resuming his public posts.
“We must set higher standards to become a formidable alternative to the people instead of us becoming UMNO 2.0 in the eyes of the people,” he stated.
With that said, Boo urged all political parties from both divides not to “hero worship” their leaders without independent reasoning. This is where, he added, civil society movements should also play their role in censuring leaders who are accused of wrongdoings.
“We must work as a collective in in order to contain corruption effectively. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), associations and the media must take a consistent and collective stand in boycotting any leaders from both divides, who are convicted or facing corruption charges, by refusing them any undue publicity and heroic treatment,” he concluded. – March 31, 2022
