Elizabeth Wong quits, waiting for official announcement

The updated version from The Star:

Published: Tuesday February 17, 2009 MYT 11:40:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday February 17, 2009 MYT 2:43:01 PM
Elizabeth Wong quits, waiting for official announcement (Update 4)

Wong ... "I have done nothing wrong; I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person."

PETALING JAYA: Selangor executive council member and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong, whose nude photographs were being circulated, has quit both positions, paving the way for a third by-election within the next two months.

She said she will discuss with Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to arrange for the proper handover of her responsibilities.

Her resignation would be subject to Khalid's approval. The party is expected to accept her resignation.

PKR adviser and de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to call a press conference on the issue Tuesday afternoon.

Khalid confirmed that he had received Wong’s resignation letter and said he would get the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s views on Wong’s decision to quit all posts.

“I shall be seeking an audience with his His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor to brief him on the issue and seek his guidance,” he said, adding that he has asked Wong to take leave and “have a deserved rest.”

“This turn of events is unfortunate as ... Wong has been an exemplary exco member,” Khalid said in a statement.

“It is most unfortunate that certain elements have resorted to such despicable acts to smear her (Wong’s) name and integrity.

“I am sure Malaysians and the people of Selangor will reject the use of such shameful tactics and join me in condemning the people responsible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wong said that she would continue to serve the people and "fight for justice for Malaysia.”

She said that although the smear campaign directed against her has caused a lot of anguish, she is aware that the real objective is to discredit PKR.

“I have done nothing wrong; I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person," Wong said at a press conference outside the PKR headquarters here Tuesday morning.

Also present were PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah and her fellow exco members Teresa Kok and Xavier Jeyakumar.

“I have broken no law; I stand by the fundamenal principles of a democracy that everyone has a right to privacy,” Wong said, breaking down in tears.

She said that she believed that the attacks would continue in greater intensity and PKR’s political rivals would continue to “manipulate the situation.”

“Accordingly, I have decided to make a stand in the interest of the party and its struggle for the people,” Wong said.

Many supporters who had gathered called for her to withdraw her offer to resign.

Wong was also the state exco member in charge of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment, and the information chief of the Women’s wing of PKR and of her division Petaling Jaya Utara.

The Election Commission has fixed April 7 for by-elections in the Buki