Politicians, public figures and perception

Politicians, being public figures, have to be ever so careful of their image they are projecting to the public. Very often, we hear of 'cakap tak serupa bikin' or 'say one thing and do differently' because what we read in the papers are vetted to ensure only favourable (at least to them) news are published and not necessarily, facts.

But with pictures and videos, certain things cannot be covered up, especially the latter where body language is involved.

Many years ago, in Britain, one newsreader, Kenneth Baker mentioned about a cat which was rescued from a tree by some army personnel but was killed when their truck ran over it. Kenneth read the news with a grin on his face. The public outcry was big news then.

Some years back, Patrick Teoh gave a peck on the cheek of Caren Lim, on her last newsreading stint when the camera was still rolling. Again, the outcry from some members of the public. I can imagine Patrick's reaction then: Niamah!

Lilian's picture of our two leaders with her comments, is a gem worth repeating. From her 5xmom blog:
Like they said, a picture paints a thousand words.

So, what does the title of the news “Be ready for a recession” and the two laughing Prime Minister of Malaysia Pak Lah and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib says to you?

PM : Hahaha mampui hang, aku dah tak peduli, aku dah basuh tangan. Lantak pi, recession kah, tak recession kah….tak kena mengena dengan aku.

DPM : Eleh….recession kah, tak recession kah, asalkan pipi aku gebu merah jambu, bibir ku merah bagai delima merekah…..aku releks, brader.