Prove authenticity of the gay sex video first

Haziq Aziz.

I don’t understand why Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin is asking for Haziq Aziz’s sacking from PKR now. There are many inferences one can draw from this move.

Have the authorities determined the authenticity of the video? As far as I know, this case is still very much under investigation.

So why are we trying to punish the accuser when the case has not been proven? Have we tried to do the same thing to the victim?

If the video is proven fake, I am sure there are sufficient laws to bring those who made the accusation to justice. If the party sacks him now, I think we would have shown prejudice against him.

I believe he is entitled to say what he wants to say if he can prove it. If he can’t prove it, then he must face the consequences.

If the video is genuine, the accuser may still face prosecution since indulgence in same-sex liaisons is still illegal in this country. But what about the victim? He may face even more charges, including extramarital sex and perhaps leadership irresponsibility.

So, why are various parties trying to create diversions since the video came to public attention?

First, we immediately said the video was fake. How do we know it is fake? On what basis?

Second, we assumed it was a political conspiracy. But if the video is genuine and if someone exposed it, would this action per se be regarded as a conspiracy?

Third, we assumed this incident was an invasion of privacy. For this, I would really like to know when an invasion of privacy is not an invasion but a public duty. When corrupt practices or illicit sex of public figures are caught in secret tapes, is this an invasion of privacy?

Fourth, we assumed the one who first made the disclosure is the guilty party. Perhaps he was doing it for personal gain, but can we summarily dismiss the claim as false?

As a nation, we must try to resolve this case as quickly as possible by establishing the truth or falsehood of this video.

I want our leaders to walk the moral high ground, notwithstanding my own fallibility. Leadership comes not just with privileges but also a responsibility. Proving the authenticity of the video should be our nation’s topmost priority.

Other accusations and counter-accusations are irrelevant and can wait.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.