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Say no to "Black gold politics" - the
symbiotic relationship between politicians and criminals
Media Statement
by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew
(Kuala Lumpur,
Friday):
The episode of " Ong Brothers"
has not come to an end just because the first "Ong" has given up himself to
the police following his expulsion by the second "Ong".
Ong King Ee aks Jackie Chan is
now cut out from the big family of "Malaysian Criminals Association", but
how about many others who were brought in by him?
Will these "comrades" leave the
big family on their own free will, or they will be allowed to continue to
make "contributions" to the party they love? Or only be sacked or suspended
by the big brother when the going gets tough?
It has been an open secret that
criminals and gangsters buy protection from certain politicians, and these
politicians get some monetary and other forms of contribution in return. It
could be manpower for election campaigns, votes, or simply names to boost up
the membership strength of branches and divisions under their control.
The politicians give protection
to criminals. And the criminals reciprocate with money and other favours.
Together they create a symbiosis called "black gold politics".
The "protection for sale"
phenomena is quite a deep-rooted one in Malaysian politics, considering that
some kingpins have even "awarded" with datukship through certain
politicians wielded with good connections and power.
This is no difference to what
has been widely known as the "black gold politics" in Taiwan, where triad
bosses overnight become yang berhormat.
Just imagine this. The big
bully who beat up your brother in the karaoke joint some months ago turns
out to be the next candidate in your area. And before you know it, he got
himself elected as your Member of Parliament. You would not like things like
that to happen in Malaysia.
Or may be it has already taken
place quietly in some parts of Malaysia.
It's time to stop the rot. Say
no to "black gold politics".
(1/8/2003)
* Ronnie Liu Tian
Khiew, DAP national publicity secretary
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http://dapmalaysia.org