English translation of my column article which originally published in China Presson March 12.

During election season, both sides of political divide would engage in epic battles, be it for the seats or for the mandate to run the government.  However, political power and control is not a right to exercise the victors’ own will and whims; rather such vested power comes with grave responsibility of looking after public’s well-being and livelihood.

There is nothing wrong for anyone to possess his or her own political views or preference at any time, be it during election period or during non-election period. In fact, if we are to encourage the public to be more attuned to political development and participate in debate on policy matters that affect their daily life, then it is even more normal for someone to have his or her own political affiliation and inclination.

Regardless of the outcome of election, all political parties must set aside their political differences after elections and serve the nation and public to their best of their abilities.

Very sadly, after almost 1 year since the Sarawak state election, the victor did not seek to address their weakness and examine the reasons for the significant 8% reduction in BN votes but instead went after the voters who supported Pakatan Rakyat openly.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Mong Dangang amazingly directed the Federal Agriculture Department to cut off disabled farmer Frusis Lebi’s farming subsidy just because he displayed an opposition party’s flag during the Sarawak state election. The assistant minister’s action is beyond tolerance.

Mong Dangang obviously has forgotten that as an assistant minister, his job was to look after the welfare of all Sarawakians. Everyone who fits the criteria is entitled to receive aid from government. Going by his logic that Pakatan Rakyat supporters do not deserve to receive governmental subsidy, then can we also say that Pakatan Rakyat supporters do not have to pay tax as well?

Owing to our sympathy to Frusis Lebi’s plight, DAP has organized a 7 day on-line fund raising campaign for him. Commencing on 8th March Women’s Day, until Monday morning, ie March 12, 2012, a grand total of RM10,000 has been raised.

Frankly speaking, the public support has far exceeded our expectation because we never took this fund raising campaign to the streets and we never publicized this appeal to any great extend and only did some advertising on Facebook. The fact that we could raise RM10,000 within 4 days is very uplifting indeed!

This proves that ordinary Malaysians are more caring towards the poor and needy than the BN administration. This also proves that although being labeled as “hooligans”, most of the internet users are logical and rational. They know how to make use of this platform to constructive use and benefit our fellow Malaysian.

We pledge that once this fund raising campaign is over, we shall disclose to the public the exact amount raised and we will show the bank statement. After that, Sarawak DAP shall handover the donation to Frusis Lebi and ensure his family’s livelihood is not jeopardized by Sarawak state government’s savage and undemocratic attack.

We can surely feel the warmth in this raining season that is upon us.

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