I refer to a news item 'Refer to EC, not Rulers, Rais tells PAS' as it appeared in The Star. It has to do with the Election Commission, supposedly an independent body, acquiesced to a "mere request to consider" hiring unemployed individuals who happen to be members of Puteri Umno.

If what is being reported is correct, I want to take issue with the minister. I thought that when he took an oath of office, he solemnly promised to uphold and protect the constitution of the country. That must be his priority. However, it appeared that he is more interested in upholding and protecting Umno's interests. In so doing, he further contributes to the dilution of the very engine that ensures the democratic process of the country. He is instrumental and a participant in the destruction of the constitution of the country as we know it.

As a self-proclaimed leader, he should have the courage to come out and defend the independence of the EC. If his own party members were out and about to sabotage the framework of the country and constitution, he should be the first to tell those Puteri Umno to "crossover his dead body"

From my vantage point of view, EC's independence is not only must be adhered to but be seen as such for anything less would jeopardise its reputation and thus, the entire democratic system of the country.

I found it very amusing that ordinary rakyat see it through and through and smell something fishy here. To a lot of us what walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, is probably a duck and only the minister says it is not a duck. Who is he kidding? On what planet does he live on?

Being a minister does not give you the 'right' to talk down to those who put and elected you to be where you are right now. You took an oath to uphold and protect the constitution, so do it! I am shaking my head in disbelieve that the minister has the audacity to tell the rakyat with a straight face that he is protecting the constitution. Bull, he is protecting Umno instead.

Enough of these shenanigans from cabinet ministers who think simply by the positions they hold they can dupe the rakyat. At least this one rakyat is a tough cookie to fool.