THE events leading to the resignation of former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek have dragged the nation through an emotional roller coaster of shock, anger and shame that lasted four days.

What have been the lessons learnt from this unfortunate incident involving a national leader?

Should he have stayed? If so, what of the moral issue?

Now that he is gone, should we continue to pursue even greater punishment?

Perhaps there are also other implications and questions to consider, such as whether Malaysia is fast adopting a “snoop culture”.

Is there some sinister political motive or is the nation just living in denial and hypocrisy, as suggested by Dr Chua himself?

The emergency meeting of top MCA leaders recently to discuss the case was sombre and filled with much regret for a comrade fallen through his own weakness — one whom you might call proud, arrogant and even foolish.

For better or worse, Dr Chua is a loyal party member who, in a short span of time, proved to be an able national leader.

Another minister asked me after the meeting if I would miss him. Strangely, it did tug at my heart to see him go. It is undeniable that his silver quick tongue and fast-acting manner has earned him a lot of respect.

He has helped in some major issues on the national front pertaining to the community and the nation.

His ability to grasp technicalities and understand the implications of policies, from my point of view, made him an easy leader to work with.

It will not be an easy void to fill, given that the party is about to face one of the toughest election battles in nearly two decades.

Dr Chua was a strongman in the most steadfast state, Johor.

Too little or too much? Short of his head, Dr Chua has paid the ultimate price for a politician.

The coalition front must be breathing a sigh of relief that the perpetrators did not decide to blow up this issue after nomination day.

Few political parties could survive such a blow and still remain united.

As for the Malaysian Chinese Association, the ultimate priority now is for it to ensure stability and unity in the community.

As someone once said of MCA’s healthy political culture, there must be “justice tempered with mercy”.

Source: NST – January 7, 2008