Nepotism, like favouritism and cronyism, has a negative connotation to it. There are certain people who, I believe, bear grudges and are dead against nepotism within opposition parties.
In my humble opinion, we should not condemn nepotism per se. According to my dated but trusty Oxford dictionary, Nepotism means 'Favouritism shown to relatives, especially in conferring offices'. If we include feelings, then the most basic form would be the favouritism shown by parents when dealing with their children in the company of others. To each, his or her own.
Lim Kit Siang became an MP in 1969 and was detained soon after the May 13 incident. His problems with the government and police were continual when he championed causes of others who were unable to fend for themselves when intimidated by high-handed authorities. Together with Karpal Singh, they were synonymous with DAP. When the seniors got into trouble, how would their wives and children feel? Naturally, they would be in support, even when totally unprepared at times. Similarly, when Anwar Ibrahim was held in police custody and assaulted by the then IGP, how would his wife and children feel? Wan Azizah and Nurul Izzah were literally forced into politics because of such an unfortunate incident. The fact that the juniors are able to emulate their fathers should be congratulated under such circumstances and not be subjected to envy and jealousy. First of all, it was clear to them that the future was arduous and not a bed of roses. If Lim Guan Eng achieved what his father could not in Penang, and became Chief Minister, it was proof that he was worthy of helming DAP and with the support of the people of Penang, worthy of being CM. I am sure Lim Kit Siang is happy to be the father of a Chief Minister, even though he could have taken the easy way and become Minister himself in BN Cabinet with probably a Tan Sri title to go with it. I would like to think of it as good karma at play. Why would anyone think that following father's footsteps within the opposition is the same as that of say, Najib following Razak's? The former is lined with periods within four walls while the latter is full of promise which include PM's position which comes with immense power to make or break any person; opulent office, and the chance to accumulate wealth beyond their wildest dreams.
When Lim Guan Eng was being charged for championing the Malay girl's case, I attended some of the forums before he was found guilty for sedition (and we all know how easy it was to fix anyone with such a charge under the Act). I can still remember my wife dropping me off in Jalan Alor, opposite Federal Hotel, KL. I could see two police patrol cars parked outside. When I entered the lobby, it was lined with uniformed policemen, they were everywhere. Later, in the small hall where the forum was to be held, a police officer announced, 'You have 8 minutes to disperse.' I asked Manjit Singh, 'Why the heavy police presence?' and he replied, 'As usual.' I am sure those who were present felt the high-handedness of the police and could empathize with Guan Eng's pessimism and helplessness then.
Similarly, when heavily armed men stormed into Anwar's house to arrest him, it must have angered many people who thought the high-handedness most unnecessary. Imagine how his family members felt then. I can understand the natural reaction of his family's total support later, in the form of enlisting those who could make a difference, to rally the people to express their dismay. In the process, it was only natural that they become politicians themselves in order to fight the unfair system. When opposition parties look for commitment from potential leaders, then those who were victimized as well as their immediate families were best candidates. Those who were capable and worthy as leaders found support in the party members. Thus, we have a few families of leaders within the Pakatan Rakyat who are firmly committed, in their quest for change which include getting rid of the present BN government.
To those who are strongly opposed to political dynasties in DAP and PKR, my suggestion is to direct your time and effort towards BN nepotism first because they are custodians of our nation's coffers. It will be more productive to check any possible corrupt practices involving billions than proving the existence of nepotism within coalition parties of Pakatan Rakyat which was a result of persecution, and who have yet to gain federal power. If you dislike them so much, why not dislodge them from their parties? At the moment, they have the support from most of the party members and it is up to you to convince the members to vote you instead of them in future.
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