Knickers politics

Argh…even love is politicized!

From the food we eat – halal or non halal – to who gets into our knickers/briefs – are the daily concerns of politicians, and the religious zealots and bigots.

What is most detestable is that women are always the first casualties. Just the other day, YB Elizabeth Wong’s
past returned to haunt her. And for what? Some silly still shots of her sleeping in the privacy of her home.

These were photos allegedly taken by an exbeau but they went viral on the internet. But what of it? It wasn’t even nude or porn stuff. It was a blatant intrusion of her privacy and self respect! But this is not the angle that the newspapers have gone to town with. Not sexy enough yaar… but a clear cut case of politicking.

It is politicking to disparage her so that she can vacate her state executive councillor and state assemblywoman’s job! It is only to our benefit that Eli is a strong woman.

The recent hype surrounding Valentine’s day is another classic case in point of what I call “knickers politics”.

Both sides of the political divide turned this ancient day of fun into a political circus. PAS and the religious holier than thou put an “immoral” tag on it. Its a prelude to premarital sex, they say. A launching pad to other immoral acts.

Hey bigots! Get a life! How many bomohs or priests and supposedly moral looking grandpas, professionals like doctors and lawyers, have been raping their clients, wards and grandchildren? They don’t need no valentine’s day for those hideous crimes!

Ah, what is a bit of smooching around holding hands and kissing your date? Its like these bigots had never been young before. They’re probably ashamed of what they’ve done and now want to police everyone especially strangers they do not know – like you and me!

It’s not like I am a great fan of Valentine’s. I don’t even celebrate the occasion. I like to be in love though. And I am continously in love with love! Many celebrate the day by appreciating their parents, elders, siblings, and many others.

It’s unlikely to be religious at all. Who remembers St Valentine, the love struck Italian priest who gave the day a meaning? No one! That’s right, I don’t even know what St. Val looks like! I do know how Rudolph Valentino look like though, ha, ha!

But people should be given a choice to celebrate the joyous and (for some) sexy day without fear. Snooping around for couples by some Valentine squad – read: bigots – is a super, major ridicolous thing to do, not in a country that spends millions to attract tourists.

To the snoop squad – You’re not their bloody parents, ok! You’re not even their bloody brothers! or worst, husbands!

Now the Penang CM Lim Guan Eng also took a chance at Valentine’s to draw extra marks for his reputation by handing out carnations to women of all races at the famous Chowrasta market.

Okayyyy…the flower sellers and the women were beaming from ear to ear I can see. From photos taken by famous blogger minus one MAC – Chan Lilian, I can see that Guan Eng’s strategy also managed to capture the hearts of the female reporters who were there covering the event.

But is the act necessary? Isn’t it better for example to give 100 single mothers something to improve their livehood or quality of life with? Maybe put a roof over some heads…

Or else that Romeo act of giving flowers is nothing more than a publicity stunt! And the carnations, unlike the BRIM RM500 (for those earning below RM3,000 per household) from the federal government, won’t live to see the next GE, dear….

- Susan Loone's blog