So what do you think?
Is it true? Are Sabahans really that corrupt? Can Sabahans be bought that easily?
Okay, maybe the more appropriate question is this - Are Sabahans more corrupt than the average Malaysian?
Let's face it, which one of us haven't heard of people being given money to vote for a particular party during the elections?
Which one of us Sabahans haven't heard of that?
I wish there was a way that I could say that this was all a myth, an urban (and rural) legend, but judging from my own experience and from what I hear, it seems that it is a fact.
Sabahans do seem to be bought all the time. Sometimes they even ask to be bought, which makes things even worse.
I remember when I was back home for the 2004 general election. The elections had just concluded and this particular personality was voted into Parliament.
Well, during an event that I attended with a colleague of mine, this new YB's personal assistant stretched out her hand to shake mine, so I obliged.
Then, at the very last second, I realised there was a RM50 note in her palm (a thank you gesture on behalf of her boss perhaps?), so I quickly brushed her hand away.
Guess what was her reaction?
Thinking that I was from the peninsula, she said: "Kau dari KL bah kan? Ini biasa ni di sini. Ambil saja lah."
At that moment in time, I felt sticking my head into the ground. I felt ashamed because people like this had created a stereotype for "outsiders" to label Sabahans.
For those of you who follow the news, you'll also remember that our Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam became the first (or one of the first) serving federal minister to be charged with corruption just before the 2004 general election.
Around the same time, Datuk Wasli Said was also charged.
The timing couldn't be better, right?
It was just months after Pak Lah had pledged to the people when he took office as Prime Minister that he would eradicate corruption.
Who better to use to set an example than a couple of Sabahans.
With the general election reportedly just around the corner, chances are a lot of Sabahans would probably be put in a situation where they should ask themselves this - Am I that cheap? Do I wanna vote this person to Parliament or the State Assembly because he (or his people) paid me to?
Or am I voting for him because I think he can do work for the people?
Well, I did say "should ask themselves." Whether they do or not when the object of temptation is set before them is another matter altogether.
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4 comments:
WOW, that must have been a shocker! Ya I've heard stories abt candidates giving out money during election time. I always thought it was rumour until I read your post. tsk tsk...disgusting! I am appalled
I wish Sabahan politicians would start taking care of the needs of our state instead of thinking how they can make big bucks quickly. Unfortunately that's all they are thinking of (or most of them), that's why all Sabahan parties have joined BN.
Come on, people, open your eyes!
yes, it is disgusting that crooked politicians attempt to buy votes. i curse them all.
i am glad that you turned down that "offer".
wow, and the honest politician will never win back in our home becoz they are so honest they don't have money to offer.. I dunno either to laugh or cry to the statement.. sad.
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