Nurul’s photo op and the political madness

The calls for a probe demonstrate a desperation to exploit any little chance to further BN's political cause.

COMMENT

Before we get started, let’s review the facts. Nurul Izzah has been caught in a firestorm of controversy over a photo of herself with Jacel Kiram, a daughter of the self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu. Jacel’s father, Jamalul Kiram III, was the person who ordered the invasion of Lahad Datu, and thus must be considered an enemy of the state, someone no Malaysian would willingly associate with. Understandably, the Sabahans are incensed, and they have demanded that Nurul be barred from Sabah.

Nurul has explained that Jacel was a guest at a dinner she was invited to, and was one of many people who wanted a picture with her that night. However, BN politicians have jumped on the picture like a pack of rabid, starved hyenas and called for an investigation on Nurul for threatening national security (or something of the sort), all the while happily claiming politics has nothing to do with the demand.

Let’s get this straight. This stunt is nothing short of political expediency to take the act out of context, and certainly out of proportion. The glee with which the authorities have jumped into this demonstrates their desperation to exploit any little chance that comes their way to further Barisan Nasional’s political cause.

Sure, Nurul should have been more aware of her surroundings and company, but surely a politician is swamped by many requests for photos, and Nurul, being the courteous person that she is, would be hard pressed to refuse any such request. Had she refused to pose for a picture with Jacel, the rumour would have likely been that Nurul had tried to encourage a new invasion on Sabah by daring to snub the daughter of Jamalul Kiram III.

After all, did not Prime Minister Najib Razak himself smilingly shake the hand of Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of Malaysia’s and the Islamic world’s worst enemy? A handshake and an informal meeting or dinner need not mean a deal is struck, or that two powers are working together. In Nurul’s case, she has no bargaining power at all. So, it would be utterly ridiculous to say that she was attempting to form a working relationship with Jacel or her father.

As for the issue of Jamalul’s invasion on Sabah, the Sabahans have every right to be angry given that they suffered at the hands of the Sulu forces. However, the Federal Government has no moral ground to stand on, given that just last week, a Malaysian, Bernard Then, was beheaded by the extremist Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines. Even Malaysia’s no negotiation policy seems to be more like a set of guidelines, as it is suspected that a ransom was paid and Then was killed nevertheless. And why, despite the millions poured into Esscomm, is the kidnapping of our citizens happening so easily?

If Putrajaya wants to prove it is serious about threats to sovereignty, then equal measures must be taken against all clearly defined acts that threaten our nation. Among them are grand corruption, abuse of powers and racism.