KUALA LUMPUR, 20 April 2009: Bukit Lanjan assembly[person] Elizabeth Wong’s decision to stay the course she embarked on just over a year ago as an elected representative has saved the country another by-election.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and [the] state exco should claim credit for standing by her and allowing her to resume her duties as an exco member.
Her decision not to walk away has surprised many, as a politician caught in such negative publicity [can] rarely make a comeback.
The difference in Wong’s case is that, in the court of public opinion she has been perceived as a victim rather than a perpetrator of a scandal. And her supporters and voters rallied behind her, organising a signature campaign to plead their case with the Sultan of Selangor.
PAS, a member of the ruling Pakatan Rakyat, has come under fire from some bloggers for standing by Wong. However, a party insider said the grassroots were sympathetic towards Wong, as they see her as a victim. Many of PAS leaders, including Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, had also voiced support for Wong, but the party has remained quiet since her comeback announcement.
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This article first appeared on Sunday, 19 April 2009 in www.theedgemalaysia.com under the same title. Used with permission.
