Life as an MP goes beyond Parliament sitting. I have just returned from a Wesak Day dinner organised by a Buddhist Temple.I was invited to give a speech. Going to functions is getting more important for many politicians and there are a lot of politics at play at this level.

Over the past few years, I get invited to about 150 dinners every year. However, I do not get to speak in every functions. Politics is at play. These grassroot organisations are usually headed by MCA and Gerakan members or supporters. They may discriminate Opposition representatives by not inviting them (but they may spread vicious lies that you did not turn up) or not invited to speak when Assemblymen and even City Councillors from the ruling parties are called to speak and treated as honourable guests. Sometimes BN leaders exert pressure on the organisers to exclude Opposition members. These organisers
usually oblige for fear of retaliation.

Over the years, I have learned to deal with such low-level politickings. I may blog on this from time to time.

At tonight’s function, I spoke on the theme of this year’s Wesak Day celebration; “Respect Human Rights”.

I said the theme was timely and a clear stand taken by non-Muslims in the country.

I added that it had to do with recent development with regard to religious freedom and issues taken up by the Buddhist, Christian, Hinduism and Sikhism Consultative Council.

I warned that when politics and government are mixed up with politics, it would bring about serious implications.

Political power have ben used to further the growth of a particular religion and to curb other religions from growing.

Bloodshed happened in many parts of the world because of religion and politics.

I empahsised the need for the Consultative Council and political leaders to work towards strengthening our Constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

This dinner functions served many purposes. One get to meet constituents and let them see you regularly, speaking on current issues. One’s speech is usually reported in the local section of the Chinese press and may be educational for the general public.

I usually speak on national and state issues and when necessary, on local happenings. Sometimes one has to be sharp for you may be required to respond immediately to matters raised by the BN representatives. Even the order of speakers taking the rostrum is politically motivated.

It is a good training ground for all politicians, veteran or budding ones.