What DAP MP Fong Po Kuan is guilty of is being naive about the role of personalities in Malaysian politics. The punishment meted out to her came about from a clash of personalities and was not about right or wrong, legally or principally.

A young inexperienced MP who dares to take on a Speaker that the Barisan Nasional, particularly Umno, perceived as loyal, experienced and moderate, is not about to be let off. The old guards of Umno are already under siege by the young Turks being promoted by their president Dr Mahathir Mohamad. If they allow someone like the Speaker to be attacked and compromised, it could create unprecedented upheaval within Umno and BN themselves.

This is a generational struggle in the transition from the old guard to the new. It is a dangerous time for Umno and BN, and Mahathir cannot allow outsiders to upset the cart while he delicately tries to put in a succession order.

Outsiders like Fong can upset the cart so badly that Umno and BN could suffer severe infighting. That is why she needs to be stamped out no matter what the rule of law and fair play is.