– Fikry Osman
The Malaysian Insider
Dec 23, 2012
DEC 23 ― There was a time when Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim was at the forefront of righting the wrongs of Malaysia, seeking for a well-governed and transparent nation.
To further his cause, he joined the DAP in 2008. But he left earlier this year and has since been a thorn to the party.
One must ask why this volte-face? Especially with Tunku Aziz’s latest attack that DAP members were barred from accepting state awards from Malay rulers.
Why is the once-respected man now dancing to Umno’s tune and its barrage of attacks against the DAP? Why is he angry with the DAP?
DAP chief Karpal Singh has rejected Tunku Aziz’s allegations by saying the DAP’s policy has been consistent in rejecting state honours except for those issued for bravery.
He said DAP members may accept awards after they have retired from active politics, citing as examples the late Chian Heng Kai, a former Bukit Mertajam MP; former Batu Lanchang assemblyman the late Tan Loo Jit; and former Berapit state lawmaker Wong Hang Yoke who were conferred state honours carrying the title “Datuk”.
What is Tunku Aziz trying to do, by making his former party look bad among the Malays? Did he expect an easy ride in politics but unable to do so, switch sides and behave like sour grapes?
After all, according to The Malaysian Insider, Tunku Aziz is a prominent corporate figure and activist who helped found the Malaysian chapter of global graft watchdog, Transparency International.
So why all this acrimony and the need to make DAP look bad among the Malays? Does he think he has influence among the Malays and can use it to benefit Umno.
I hope not. We Malays must see Tunku Aziz for what he is. A bitter man who couldn’t take criticisms and is now biting his old party back with venom and vitriol. And willing to do it for anyone else opposed to the DAP.
He was an icon but as we know now, has clay feet.