FONG Po Kuan’s surprising turnaround to defend her Batu Gajah parliamentary seat six days after her shocking announcement to withdraw from the contest is a clear example of fickle-mindedness, indecisiveness, inconsistency and immaturity.

Politics and especially electoral contests are serious business.

When one is offered to contest in a general election, he or she has to consider it seriously from all angles.

And when a decision is made and made public, it is a serious matter and meant to be taken seriously.

In the case of Fong, she clearly decided to withdraw giving reasons about internal politicking and the decision was made public on Feb 17.

She subsequently made another announcement on her blog on Feb 20, in response to appeals from her party bosses to reconsider her decision.

She posted a message on her blog saying: “It was a tough decision; I am unable to reconsider my decision of not contesting in the March 8 general election. I am sorry if I have disappointed you. I do hope you all will try to understand.”

On Feb 22, Fong made an about-turn and announced she would contest the Batu Gajah parliamentary seat, saying she felt remorseful about her earlier stand.

Fong clearly proved she is not politically mature and fickle-minded, thus bringing into question her lack of principles, decisiveness and political maturity.

As a voter in the Batu Gajah parliamentary constituency who voted for Fong in the last general election, I am now having second thoughts as to whether I should continue giving her my vote.

VOTER,

Batu Gajah, Perak.

Source: The Star – March 3, 2008