Sabah-born Penny Wong, first Asian Minister in Australia’s history would never have made it in Malaysian politics
December 4th, 2007Her feat earned her flowing accolades from Malaysians, including the Chief Minister of Sabah and other leaders, and was widely reported in local media.
What was not mentioned is the fact that as well as being the first Asian minister in Australia’s history, she’s also the first openly gay member of the Australian cabinet.
The Sydney Star Observer reported in 2003 (link at the bottom) that:
The sexuality of new South Australian Labor senator Penny Wong was discussed in a feature interview with The Advertiser in August 2001. Reporter Samantha Maiden wrote: “In Labor circles, it is also well-known Senator Wong is gay, a fact she would prefer to leave as a private matter.” Although Wong knew that Maiden was including the reference in her article, she has since declined to discuss issues of a personal nature in the media.
The general attitude of Malaysian politics can be surmised in what former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir was reported to have said in September 2005 about his former deputy Anwar Ibrahim:
I cannot have a person who is like that… become the prime minister. Imagine having a gay prime minister. Nobody would be safe.
I suppose this would also apply to anybody in a leadership position, what more a public figure like a member of the federal cabinet.
As for the accolades on Ms Wong reported in the local media, Puteri Umno deputy chief and Papar MP Rosnah Abd Rashid Shirlin was reported to have said: “The appointment is an honour to Sabah-born women. I praise the new Australian PM for not allowing colour or ethnicity to cloud his decision on appointments to his Cabinet. What matters most is a person’s abilities.”
Could this statement be amended to “I praise the new Australian PM for not allowing colour or ethnicity, or sexual orientation to cloud his decision on appointments to his Cabinet.”
Advisor to SAPP Wanita (KK & Penampang Zone) Datin Stella Yong was reported to have said: “Hopefully, Sabah will follow suit after the next round of elections in appointing a capable woman as full Minister. It does not matter who the person is, regardless of race or religion, so long as she has the capacity to lead the women in Sabah and work with all communities, as well as having the ability to represent Sabah women at national level and in the international arena.”
Could this statement be amended to “It does not matter who the person is, regardless of race or religion, or sexual orientation, so long as she has the capacity to lead the women in Sabah and work with all communities, as well as having the ability to represent Sabah women at national level and in the international arena.”
Assistant Minister of Industrial Developments, Hjh Jainab Datuk Hj Ahmad Ayid was reported to have said: “She has done Sabah proud. Penny was appointed not because she is a woman but by virtue of her capabilities and qualifications.”
Could this statement be amended to “Penny was appointed not because she is a woman but by virtue of her capabilities and qualifications. The fact that she is gay does not disqualify her.”
What do you think? Should capable, openly gay Malaysians be allowed to hold public office?
Source
Daily Express, 1st December 2007
news.com.au
bbc.co.uk
Sydney Star Observer, April 2003
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This is a tough question you’re asking Ben. Not to be discriminatory, but this will open up a huge can of worm - from the supporters and the protesters.
Perhaps, some things are best accepted quietly.
SHE IS A LESBIAN…. SO WHAT???? GEORGE MICHAEL, FREDDIE MERCURY AND ELTON JOHN AND MANY MANY MORE ARE GAY TOOO, BUT WE STILL LISTEN TO THEIR SONG AND BUY THEIR ALBUMS TOO…. PENNY WONG IS A GAY… BUT PEOPLE STILL VOTE FOR HER…. THE KING OF SWAZILAND HAS MORE THAN 100 WIVES… BUT HIS PEOPLE STILL ADORE AND ACCEPT HIM AS THEIR RIGHTFUL KING AND THIS TRADITION OF HAVING MORE THAN 100 WIVES HAS BEEN PRACTISED IN SWAZILAND SINCE HUNDRED OF YEARS AGO BUT THE UNITED NATIONS, US, UK, OIC, COMMONWEALTH ETC DID NOT BOMB THAT COUNTRY TO STOP IT BECAUSE THEY ACCPET IT. BUT LOOK AT IRAQ, THE US SAID IRAQ HAS WMD - WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTIONS.. BUT ALL IRAQ HAD WAS SCUD AND AL SAMOUD II MISSLIES….. NOT EVEN A SINGLE NUCLEAR WEAPON UNLIKE IRAN, NORTH KOREA, INDIA, PAKISTAN, RUSSIA AND US ITSELF!!!!!! SO LET PENNY WONG DO HER JOB AS THE FIRST EVER ASIAN CAIBNET MINISTER IN AUSTRALIA AND DONT LET KEVIN RUDD BE RUDE TO HER….
Being openly gay in politics is quite a different kettle of fish than being gay in showbiz. Anyway isn’t Sydney the gay capital of the world? If it’s not, it should be.
Penny is hot…anyone know if she’s single?