Eli a no-show but support remains
By Chan Kok Leong (The Edge)
KUALA LUMPUR: It has been almost two months since she wrote a farewell note to her constituents.
With a hint of resignation in her last press statement, which is posted on her blog, Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong bade her supporters adieu as she took a leave of absence to go overseas to take stock of the scandal that had hit her.
But at her service centre in Bandar Utama on April 12 afternoon, her supporters continued to cling on to the hope that she will withdraw her resignation as their assemblyperson.
Banners, a lion dance troupe and some 200 followers were gathered there to show their support for the Selangor state exco woman in the hope she would return. But Wong, who tendered her resignations as assemblyperson and state executive council member, decided against making a public appearance
.
Instead, the human rights activist sent a text message thanking her supporters.
“I am very touched and humbled by your support and encouragement. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to meet you all personally today but my heart and spirit is with you,” read the message.
Her decision made sense given that although it has been two months since compromising photographs of her emerged, her plight continues to be used as fodder against her party Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Pakatan Rakyat partner, PAS.
During the by-election in Bukit Gantang, a booklet entitled Bogel dan Skandal Elizabeth Wong had unsurprisingly emerged although no publisher was named.
Several residents’ groups like Tropicana Residents Association and Friends of Kota Damansara Association make up the numbers to urge the Selangor government to reject her resignation.
Although the police have since questioned more than a dozen people who came in contact with the photographs, no one has been charged yet. Police are also seeking her former boyfriend, Hilmi Malek, to assist in the investigations but so far have been unsuccessful.
Citing “extended leave” and “awaiting police investigations” as reasons, PKR treasurer and Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has twice delayed his decision concerning Wong’s resignations.
According to a party insider, PKR met recently to discuss her issue again and the conclusion will be announced on Wednesday. Hopefully, there will be no more postponement, so that Wong, her supporters and Bukit Lanjan can move on from this “darkest episode” of her life.
