To be a Senator, one must fulfil one or more of the following criteria;
1) rendered distinguished public service or
2) have achieved distinction in the professions, commerce, industry, agriculture, cultural activities or social service or
3) are representative of racial minorities or
4) are capable of representing the interests of aborigines (Orang Asli)”?
In the case of Palanivel, being an Indian, he qualifies under (3). Maybe this is also a reward for his sacrifice during the Hulu Selangor by-election. He is the no.2 man in the main Indian party in the BN so he’s appointment is not so unexpected given their minimal representation in the lower house.
But Ezam? His recent public service was limited to the BN public when he turned against his political allies. He may have done some public service during his time as an UMNO/PKR youth head but I doubt his appointment has anything to do with that. Like Palanivel, Ezam’s appointment is again a reward for turning over, the price for his principles.
There is something wrong when politicians switch sides. What happened to all the principles, ideals they used to promote and support? If Ezam feels that Anwar is so rotten, why go to jail and Kamunting for him? It would be a different story if PKR sacked him and he is forced to find an alternative platform to further his political ideas but in his case, he was pissed with Anwar and Azmin and decided to get back to them via UMNO.
The problem with PKR is that it is filled with frustrated ex BN members. Being from the fold of BN, they tend to have some baggage which could be used against them. They also have some BN habits which does not sync with PR ideals. To effectively move forward maybe PKR should stop relying on the ex BN politicians and let the younger, cleaner “political novices” run the show. They will trip and stumble along the way but at least their ideas and principles would not be influenced by the ways of BN, and we would probable see some changes, hopefully for the better.
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