A candlelight vigil was held for slain native rights crusader Bill Kayong (above) in Kuching on Dec 21. The event, themed ‘Justice for Bill Kayong’, was well attended.
Kayong, also a PKR politician, was shot dead in broad daylight at a traffic light junction in Miri in 2016.
Last year, a 30-year-old man was sentenced to death for Kayong’s murder.
In 2017, a 'Datuk' title holder and two other accused, who were charged with abetment in the killing, were discharged and acquitted by the High Court in Miri.
Many summed it up as the very sad case that “Bill Kayong died because a rich man wants to become richer”.
It is true that money (read greed) is always a top motivator for murder. Any criminologist will point to that, and in the Kayong murder, it is possibly the only motive.
However, there are also other motivating factors for murder and the most deadly of them all is probably to hide dark or dirty secrets.
This brings us to the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu (above) in 2006.
Over the past week, the whole nation was gripped in suspense as the ghost of Altantuya returned to haunt us, as if with a vengeance to remind us that we, as a nation, have done her grave injustice. And that her soul will never be at peace until justice is rightfully and finally served.
Let us hope that the 13-year-old question surrounding the brutal killing of Altantuya will be answered soon.
That all-important question is: if it’s only about money, why the need to kill Altantuya?
These facts of the case are clear: Altantuya was Abdul Razak Baginda’s lover. She was harassing Abdul Razak because she wanted to claim US$500,000 promised to her. This was stated in her police report. She came to Malaysia specifically for her money.
If the millions paid as commission to Abdul Razak’s company from the submarine deal is true, what is US$500,000! Why didn’t Abdul Razak or other ‘individuals connected with Altantuya just pay her off? End of story.
Wait a minute. Were there some dark secrets which must be destroyed at all costs?
Was Altantuya pregnant with someone’s baby, as claimed? That could well be the only motive for an innocent foreigner, who thought she has found love and fortune with a distinguished Malaysian, to be blown to pieces.
Another vital poser which emerged with the Altantuya murder is the sheer hypocrisy of those in high places in relation to their liaisons with other women outside their marriage.
Irrespective of the religion we profess, adultery is a sin and frowned upon. Others caught with their pants down will readily admit their mistake and seek forgiveness.
Former minister Dr Chua Soi Lek is an example. Six months ago, I saluted Chua for coming out, like a man should. Today, I wish to take my hat off to him a second time.
Then look at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (above). He admitted that his many affairs resulted in his two failed marriages.
He only divorced his second wife last year after owning up to an affair with a former Tory office staff member.
Two weeks ago, Johnson swept into No 10 Downing Street with his girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, by his side after winning a landslide election.
The prime minister made it clear she will be his First Lady after posing with her at the world-famous black door.
The British voters couldn’t be bothered about the private life of their political leaders. So too the Americans when they voted Donald Trump, a womaniser in his third marriage, as their president.
So, why should we bother about what our leaders do in private? That’s their business! If they indulge in extra-marital affairs, they are only hurting themselves and their families, not us.
Why must we set such a high moral standard that we, with our faults and weaknesses, are unable to uphold?
Isn’t it true that only in Malaysia are gay sex videos and sodomy such big deals? The outside world is laughing at us at this never-ending gay sex episodes.
When will we ever learn and start being ashamed of ourselves?
More importantly, can we all stop being hypocrites? There are no saints among us, only sinners.
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS) and can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com. - Mkini
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