Say no to gutter politics
The likelihood of Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong's nude photographs scandal ending anytime soon may be slim but PKR Wanita has had enough and is saying 'no' to gutter politics.
The likelihood of Bukit Lanjan state assemblyperson Elizabeth Wong's nude photographs scandal ending anytime soon may be slim but PKR Wanita has had enough and is saying 'no' to gutter politics.
PKR's Wanita wing today launched an anti-gutter politics campaign, denouncing the dirty tactics used to expose the private lives of leading political figures.
"Today our media has been used as a platform to sensationalise the private lives of politicians including men and women holding public offices.
"Without us realising it, we are dragged into a culture called gutter politics," said PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin.
At a press conference in the Parliament lobby, the Ampang MP (right) said the sudden surge in gutter politics was detrimental to the country's political landscape.
"It undermines our civility, the non-partisan and democratic participation of the rakyat in Malaysia.
"We the Wanita wing condemn all forms of dirty political tactics used to attack the privacy, reputation, family and home of any person holding office, especially women politicians," added Zuraida.
The recent controversy involving the 37-year-old Wong who was thrust into the limelight following the circulation of her nude photographs and the distribution of MCA deputy president Chua Soi Lek’s (right) sex DVD two years ago, were today cited as examples of gutter politics.
Govt must protect individual privacy
"Gutter politics cause irreparable damage and deprivation of human dignity, especially when the target is a female politician.
"Our route to gender mainstreaming in politics has now been obstructed by gutter politics because women who make serving the rakyat their passion and women who intend to venture into politics as a way of life will now find themselves being blackmailed by gutter politicians," said Zuraida.
She cited Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that 'no one shall be subjected to attacks upon their honour and reputation'.
Zuraida said politics in Malaysia was now slipping into a deep and painful crisis unless the government swiftly steps in and enacts a new law or amends existing laws to protect an individual’s privacy.
"Stern penalty must be imposed on those who violate the right to privacy. Let us all say no to gutter politics for the sake of human dignity," she said.
Also present at the press conference were Dr Hatta Ramli (Kuala Krai -PAS), Tian Chua (Batu-PKR), Dr Lo’ Lo Ghazali (Titiwangsa-PAS) and Dr D Jeyakumar (Sungai Siput-PSM).
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