M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Retired civil service head and social commentator S. Sundareson wrote that greedy politicians continue plundering the country without conscience.
They never stopped to think of the future of the country and posterity. American philosopher RW Emerson wrote: “Every secret is told, every crime is punished, every virtue rewarded, every wrong redressed in silence and certainty," said Sundareson, 89, who retired as Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance), Ministry of Defence.
They will learn that ill-gotten wealth brings untold misery and sleepless nights. It will be too late then, he told Newswav.com in an interview.
“Malaysians are sad that Malaysia is now considered one of the most corrupt countries on the world stage. These politicians are far from their counterparts decades ago in their way of thinking, morality and integrity.
“Past political leaders like Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tun VT Sambanthan and their successors only had the well-being of the people in mind, and they worked hard to achieve it. Even those in the Opposition, like Dr Seenivasagam, Tan Sri Dr Tan Chee Khoon, Ahmad Boestamam, Karam Singh Veriah, V. David and Karpal Singh, to name a few, were the voice of the people.”
They articulated arguments against policies that adversely affected the rakyat with courage and conviction. To this day, they are the unsung heroes of Malaysian politics.
In a letter to The Star, Sundareson wrote: “It is shocking, going by recent media reports, that some of our elected representatives are using their position and power to enrich themselves and their families.”
The letter was headlined: “Hoping for better behaviour from politicians.”
“The government spends millions on elected representatives, who are expected to serve the people in their constituencies. But some, be they members of the government or the Opposition, Parliament or the state legislature, do not seem to realise that they must fulfil the expectations of the rakyat who voted for them.
“Some are frequently absent from Parliament or state assembly sittings, and when they are present, they waste time on trivial matters, make crass remarks and deliberately provoke each other.”
He added: “Crude exchanges and shouting matches often disrupt the proceedings. In the case of MPs, aren’t they aware that the proceedings of the Dewan Rakyat are telecast live? What would the younger generation think when they see such unsavoury behaviour?
The rakyat expects their elected representatives to raise issues of concern to them and to assess the answers given rationally.”
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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