Friday, February 20, 2009

--Elizabeth Wong (Malaysia)--




Petaling Jaya, Feb 17 : Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong today offered to quit her state cabinet post and state assembly seat following controversy over a display of her nude photographs.
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Talking to mediapersons at the PKR headquarters, Wong said she would discuss with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim the handover of her responsibilities
Wong, 37, who described the incident as unfortunate, said it was an underhanded attempt by certain quarters to smear her reputation.
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"My personal life and privacy have been violated. These people have conspired to undermine my credibility," NST quoted Wong, as saying.
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She came to know about her nude photographs when journalists from an English tabloid said they had them in their possession.
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Wong said their distribution and publication was a malicious attack on her and constituted a gross outrage of her modesty.
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Wong said she would not speculate about who was responsible for this.
"I have received a lot of support from my supporters, friends, colleagues and constituents. My family members are standing by me," She added. (ANI)
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FROM HER....

Dear friends,
I have departed today.
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Despite having tendered my resignation from all posts, the media and websites continue to intrude into my private life and privacy. I have been informed by several media that they will continue to publish even more lewd graphical, sensational stories of my private life. I have also been told there will be a fresh assault, with more photographs and videos released and circulated in order to completely degrade and bury me.
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This is the darkest episode in my life. I have never felt so alone, vulnerable and humiliated. I need to rest and to search for peace of mind to get away from the stormy events surrounding me.
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I appreciate the overwhelming support from all quarters, especially my voters, women in particular and party comrades. Words cannot express my gratitude for your gentle kindness.
I have informed my party leaders that I am determined to relinquish all my positions, as a Selangor State Exco Member as well as the State Assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan. I am thankful for the party leadership’s concern and encouragement. I seek their understanding for my predicament.
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My commitment to the ideals of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat remains unwavering. I shall retain my party membership and continue to struggle for a just society with the party.
The nation is at a crisis facing a serious economic recession. Unemployment is rising, while corruption remains rampant. I wish public discussions would concentrate on these important issues rather than analysing my private life. My principle remains the same – I will not answer any questions pertaining to my private life. My private life is not for public scrutiny as I have not broken any law or caused harm to anyone.
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I plead to the media as well as my supporters to allow me some peace of mind, and to give me space. I urge the media to leave my family, friends and I alone. Please do not continue to shame my family and I, so that we have a chance to lead a normal life as ordinary citizens.
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Lastly, I wish to thank the support from the public that has been pouring in ceaselessly. I am very moved and eternally grateful to my friends and colleagues who stand by me. There is nothing in this world that can repay your kindness.
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ELIZABETH WONG
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~http://www.topnews.in/elizabeth-wong-offers-resign-over-nude-photographs-controversy-2126508
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~http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=30096
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~http://www.aliran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=833:elizabeth-wong-and-our-hope-for-a-new-politics-in-malaysia&catid=55:2008&Itemid=40
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~http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/17/nation/20090217113914&sec=nation
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~http://www.elizabethwong.org/site/
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~http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com/