Less politics , more work

A friend, who is a Gerakan member, phoned me yesterday and seeked my opinion whether Lee Kah Choon, who was formerly the deputy sec gen of Gerakan, should take up the offer by Pakatan Government for the post of a director in PDC (Penang development Corporation), as first reported in Malaysiakini Chinese edition and was subsequently reported in some of the Chinese press.

Lee was formerly the MP for Jelutong, and in 2004, he was appointed as the Parliamentary Sec for Ministry of Health. He lost this election standing in a State seat, as was the case of all Gerakan candidates in Penang this time. Following the general election, he resigned all his party post but remains as an ordinary member of Gerakan.

As I see it, Lee should be free to accept this appointment , if what is reported is true.

A politician’s first loyalty should be to the people. If by taking up the directorship of PDC (which is not a political appointment), Lee is able to contribute to the developemnt of Penang, then no one should stop him from doing so. Sometimes, politicians must be prepared to go above partisan politics. ANyway,  accepting  the directorship of the PDC does not mean that Lee will become a member of the PAkatan. He can remain as a member of Gerakan, because PDC is not a political entity, and the directorship does not necessarily mean Lee cannot remain as Gerakan member.

The aim of PDC is to plan development for the state, and thereby improve the economic status and living standard of the people of Penang. If Lee’s expertise is required, Gerakan should feel proud that one of its members are highly sought after even by the opposition (oops…a slip of the hand…. I should say by  the government).

Chua and Lee, said to tbe the best combination

A few days ago, I attended a medical conference and chatted with some of the recently retired senior officers  of Ministry of Health. I was told by these people that so far, in their so many years with the Ministry, the best combination of political leadership at the helm of the MInistry was the Chua Soi Lek-Lee Kah Choon combination. Accoding to them, both are no nonsense workaholic and good leaders too. Pity that both are out of the government…. maybe there is really this curse at the helm of the “Hell” Ministry, and maybe this time it includes the Parliamentary Sec job as well.

I think if we are really for the welfare of the country, we should use whoever is capable to develop the country. Whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches the mice, it is good enough. For the sake of the country, one should not be too partisan. Maybe , both BN and pakatan alike should do away with too much of politicking. Instead concentrate on cooperation and work hand in hand for the betterment of the country and the people. ( maybe I am too idealistic, you may say… but society needs idealist)

 read also this article by Penang Watch