Teng Chang Yeow: CM poll fit only for his `toilet reading'

From Penang Watch (http://www.penangwatch.net/)
10 May 2007 - 1:52pm

A DAP commentator (Ng Wei Aik) commented on a statement by Teng Chan Yeow that the CM poll by PenangWatch is `fit for toilet reading' only - lambasting him for being contemptious of public opinions and that the sensitivity shown by Gerakan's candidates to the CM post reflected extreme competitions within Gerakan.

I checked with Kwong Wah Daily and was told that Teng indeed had made such a statement but the paper didn't publish it because they considered iot unprintable. They told me to check other paper - so I checked China Press. The editor was friendly enough to provide me a copy of the press cutting - see above.

So it is confirmed that Teng read the poll in the toilet. Just wonder what else he reads in the toilet ?

The serious issue here is : why are politicians so shy about the higher posts they can aspire towards? Why don't they come clean and campaign openly for the public post just like politicians in Taiwan, US and other countries? If they are honestly without any ambitions to go higher then call it quit-let others take over !

To dismiss the poll with such contempt would only land them in trouble when their party choose them - but not the people ! In a democracy the leader should be the top chice of the people ! How long can an unpopular leader stand in his/her position under such condition?

Looking from a people's perspective the poll is one of the methods where they can make their opinions known -since there is no official channels for them to do so. But democracy demands that the top leader command the support of the people. So many countries have devised all methods to allow a say for the citizens in the selection of the top leader. Direct election of the president is the common practice in US, France, Taiwan etc.

Where Westminister Cabinet system is used the top leader is chosen among the elected members only. So the people can make their voice heard in opinion polls and other approximations. The challenge is thus on: if the people don't want a politician can he/she get into the top post solely based on his party's endorsement alone ?

English translation for China Press report :

When asked about the CM poll done by Penangwatch Teng Chang Yeow said the web site is for `toilet reading' -only for entertaining reading and not to be treated seriously.

`If I can bring my notebook into the toilet I will read this web site.'

`He said that the web site is only one of the many reading material (for him?) and it is not for exams or for answering some questions. It is for reading and then forgotten instantly.'

However he said anyone can post anything about politicians in the web sites.